METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION AND MEASURED

DRAWINGS (ARC60305)

RUMAH SUNGAI ULAR, KULIM

&

SURAU HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN BIN ABDULLAH

KEDAH STATE MUSEUM, LEBUHRAYA DARUL AMAN, KAMPUNG LUBOK PERINGGI, 05150

ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

JANUARY - MARCH 2017

DECLARATION OF SUBMISSION

RUMAH SUNGAI ULAR & SURAU HAJI ABDUL RAHMAN BIN

ABDULLAH

We, Team Kedah Traditional House as a group, hereby declare that all content, information and works within this

report is of original sources and are appropriately referenced when necessary. Written permission has been granted by

any copyright holders therefore the copyright laws are not compromised.

This assessment is the record proof of our completion for this project and holds relevant information necessary to the

project. With this declaration, we affirm that this report of data and information carried out during the field trip to Kedah

State Museum from the date 20th January 2017 to 25th January 2017 is submitted for the module Methods of

Documentation and Measured Drawing (ARC60305/ARC1215) of the course Bachelor of Science (Honours) in

Architecture from Taylor’s University to obtain 5 credits for Practicum 1.

KEDAH STATE MUSEUM, LEBUHRAYA DARUL AMAN, KAMPUNG LUBOK PERINGGI, 05150 ALOR SETAR, KEDAH

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It is a group effort by:

Wilson Tan Wui Xiang 0321128 (Team Leader)

Angela Wee Kah Man 0322970

Chang Huey Yi 0322898

Cham Zheng Chee 0322317

Cicilia Solomon 0326877

Cindy Lee Zi Ying 0320435

Dana Kan Jia Torng 0323648

Hong Shi Lik 0322081

Iddin Hafizi Bin Ahzali 0325595

Ignatius Jee Shao Iang 0320069

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

February 2017

Taylor’s University

Supervised by:

Dr. Nor Hayati Hussain

Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed

Melvyn Poh Ern Meng 0322653

Mohammad Daniel Bin Mazlan 0321409

Muhammad Faidh Bin Mohamad Nawawi 0323712

Muhammad Mirza Qayyum Bin Mohd Shariff 0324031

Ng Jer Vain 0326969

Ng Ji Yann 0323713

Ng Kwang Zhou 0322802

Ong Von Wan 0323364

Quinn Liew Min Yee 0324525

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ABSTRACT

Based on the module, Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings, we were tasked to collect data and

information of our given building regarding its culture, history, construction and architecture. In a group of 19 students,

we have measured, drawn, and researched on our buildings, the Traditional House and Traditional Surau. This report

includes the data collected throughout our 6 days of on-site fieldwork for both the Traditional House and Surau located

at Kedah State Museum. The two buildings are located in the premises of the museum as they were donations to the

museum by the owners of the respective buildings.

The Traditional House is known as Rumah Sungai Ular previously located in Kulim. The house was donated by owner

Encik Saman Bin Saad. It is currently closed to public and only used for research purposes. It showcases the typical

traditional house found in Kedah, from the details and layout of the building to the tools and furniture.

The Traditional Surau is known as Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah, this building was originally a house before

the owner decided to teach the Al-Quran, thus transformed the house into a surau. After donating it to the museum, it

still functions as it is to the public.

Both buildings have similar style in construction and layout. They were both deconstructed on their previous site and

reconstructed in the premises of the museum.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The assignment could not have been made possible without the grace and guidance of our tutors and the hard work

and cooperation from our fellow teammates. Not to mention many others who have helped guide and contributed to the

completion of this assignment. So, as Team Kedah Traditional House, we would like to take this opportunity to formally

express our sincere gratitude to all that have supported and facilitated us both directly and indirectly.

First and foremost, a very heartfelt appreciation to our module coordinator and tutor that have given us this opportunity

to work together and experience this assignment. To our module coordinator, Dr. Nor Hayati Hussain and all that aided

with the coordination of this module, we thank you for preparing this module for us to further develop our skills with

practice and experience. Our sincere gratitude to our tutor, Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed for his guidance and

considerations throughout the duration of the assignment.

And extending our thanks, we wish the best to the owners of the buildings, Encik Saman Bin Saad and Dato’ Mursyid

Diraja Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah for granting us this opportunity to measure and experience the buildings. To the

director of the museum, for allowing us permission to research and document the buildings in so little notice and under

such rushed circumstances. To En Zulkifli, who provided us with the interview to get more insight and knowledge on the

respective buildings. And to all other staff members that provided us with any kind of gestures that eased our burden.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PAGE

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v-viii

ix-xxviii

1

2-3

4

5-13

14

15

16

17-24

25-30

31-39

40-48

49-55

TOPIC

Declaration of Submission

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

List of Figures

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction to Research

1.2 Aims and Objectives

1.3 Equipment and Methodology

1.4 Limitations

1.5 Significance of Study

Chapter 2: Culture & History

2.1 History and Culture of Malaysia

2.2 History of Malay Architecture

2.3 The Culture of Malay Architecture

2.4 History & the Culture of Kedah

2.5 History & the Culture of Alor Setar

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57-67

68-73

74-79

80-86

87-105

106-113

114-120

121-127

128

129-131

132

133

134-141

142-144

145

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC

Chapter 3: Architecture & Design

3.1 Site Context

3.2 Orientation of the Buildings

3.3 Design Concept

3.4 Spatial Organisation & Spatial Experience

3.5 Design Feature

3.6 Ornamentation & Details

3.7 Visual Experience

3.8 Comparison Analysis

Chapter 4: Building Materials

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Tools & Materials for Construction

4.3 Traditional System for Measurements

4.4 Building Material - Timber

4.5 Building Material - Atap Rumbia

4.6 Building Material - Iron Bar

4.7 Building Material - Concrete

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC

Chapter 5: Building Constructions

5.1 Basic Construction and Structure of a Malay House

5.2 Foundation / Column Construction

5.3 Timber Floor System

5.4 Wall System

5.5 Roof Construction

5.6 Staircase Construction

5.7 Windows

5.8 Doors

Chapter 6: Defects and Dilapidations

6.1 Timber Defects

6.2 Column Defects

6.3 Woodcarving Defects

6.4 Window Defects

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147

148-150

151-152

153-157

158-159

160-164

165-167

168-169

170-171

172

173

174

174

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC

6.5 Roof Defects

6.6 Staircase Defects

Chapter 7: Conclusion

7.1 Reflections

7.2 References

7.3 Glossary

7.4 Appendices

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176

177

178

179-183

183-186

xx

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 1

FIGURE

Figure 1.1 Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter (Bosch, 2017)

Figure 1.3 8-meter measuring tape (Stanley, 2017)

Figure 1.4 R 60 Professional Tool (Bosch, 2017)

Figure 1.5 Canon DSLR with Stand (Canon, 2017)

Figure 1.6 Ball of string (Dreamstime, 2017)

Figure 1.7 Foldable ladder (Pepperfry, 2017)

Figure 1.8 Extension ladder (Werner, 2017)

Figure 1.9 Platform Crane (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.10 Measuring with crane (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.11 Measuring with ladder (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.12 Measuring with measuring tape (Iddin, 2017)

ix

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 2

FIGURE

Figure 2.1: The way of living of the past. (prepcue, 2017)

Figure 2.2: The strategic spot at Malacca brought success to Srivijaya. (konfrontasi, 2017)

Figure 2.3: Parameswara and his followers exploring the foreign land, which is named Malacca after that.

(kttahun5sksl, 2017)

Figure 2.4: Portuguese was defeated by the force of Johor and Dutch. (holidaymapq, 2017)

Figure 2.5: Francis Light colonized Penang and his contribution has made Penang one of the strategic locations for

trading purposes. (surakit, 2017)

Figure 2.6: Rubber estate was one of the rising industry during the colonization of British. (Iumwmalaysianstudies,

2017)

Figure 2.7: Japanese entered Malaya with great power. They’ve shown cruelty and were constantly spreading

propaganda. (mahaguru, 2017)

Figure 2.8: Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister during Malaysia’s Independence Day. (merpatiputih88,

2017)

Figure 2.9: The major racial argument and violence. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.10: The iconic Twin Tower located at Kuala Lumpur. (inspireholidays, 2017)

Figure 2.11: Malaysia, a country filled with multicultural individuals that lived in peace and harmony. (emaze, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 2

FIGURE

Figure 2.12: The warriors of the country, that protected the land shall always be remembered, with the build of

National Monument. (oxfordpoetryelection, 2017)

Figure 2.13: The absence of boundaries around houses, openness and intimacy were still retained.

(srikanditunteja,2017)

Figure 2.14: The friendly environment, that allows people to visit one another freely. (remembersingapore, 2017)

Figure 2.15: A basic shelter to complement the simple living without neglecting the consideration of the

environmental factors.(sda-architect,2017)

Figure 2.16: A conventional traditional Malay house is mainly supported using the post-and-beam system, which

can be seen clearly. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.17: The map above shows the Peninsular Malaysia and the definite location of each

states.(ngsoongwenn, 2017)

Figure 2.18 & 2.19: The basic design of a traditional malay house. (pinterest,2017) (flickriver, 2017)

Figure 2.20: Hardwood that are commonly used to build the house is cengal

wood.(manchestertimbermerchants, 2017)

Figure 2.21: Nipa palm leaves used to create atap roof. (dreamstime, 2017)

Figure 2.22 & 2.23: Examples of Rumah Dangau/Teratak. (pecidasase,2017)

Figure 2.24: Carvings and ornamentation that are incorporated in traditional Malay houses. (pinterest, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

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FIGURE

Figure 2.25: Carvings that are used to decorate the house are usually inspired the natural environment. Flora

patterns are one of the commonly used patterns.(jadhomes, 2017)

Figure 2.26: The overall view of the Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.27: The South Elevation of the Surau. The cylindrical shaped object is called the Beduk. It was used

during the prayers. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.28: The East Elevation of the house. The entrance was the staircase that leads the path towards the

Anjung.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.29: The Rumah Ibu, which is also the space where family members rest. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.30 & 2.31: The surrounding environment of the traditional Malay houses are filled with vegetation.

(theodora, 2017) (cheeseburgerbuddha, 2017)

Figure 2.32: The well serves as an essential feature to the lives of the people, serving water for their daily

usage. (123rf, 2017)

Figure 2.33: The joist that contributes to the support of the floorboards and the weight of the building. (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 2.34: The layer of atap leaves are tied up together and used to attached with the roof. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.35: The steep roof with the rafters at the back of it supporting the whole roof structure. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.36: The base of the columns are made up of concrete, with timber post to support and elevate the floor

level. (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 2

FIGURE

Figure 2.37: The staircase that leads to front and back entrances of the house. The form of the house that

responds to the climate conditions is also shown. (eficienciaenergtica, 2017)

Figure 2.38: The clay water vessel (Tempayan) (kaskus, 2017)

Figure 2.39: The water gourd (Gayong) (northerndipper, 2017)

Figure 2.40: The division of space in a traditional Malay House.(archfullstop, 2017)

Figure 2.41: The possibilities and flexibility of expanding the traditional Malay house. (shirleysia-dissertation,

2017)

Figure 2.42: The indication of the staircase leading to the Anjung (Covered Porch). (rumahkereda, 2017)

Figure 2.43: The Serambi fits as a welcoming space for visitors. (keywordsking, 2017)

Figure 2.44: The Rumah Ibu is where the privacy of the family members are retained. (adesibank, 2017)

Figure 2.45: The stairway to acces the roof attic.(rumahwarisanrabiahmatklebangbesar, 2017)

Figure 2.46: The roof attic.(ujie, 2017)

Figure 2.47: The kitchen (kosmo, 2017)

Figure 2.48: The Pelantar (An open platform) (mycuteshoppe, 2017)

Figure 2.49: An extension at the kitchen area. (mycuteshoppe, 2017)

Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store items. (Quinn,2017)

Figure 2.51: An example of a sugar cane clamp stored under the house, utilizing the empty spaces as a

storage. (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 2

FIGURE

Figure 2.52 : Kedah state flag. (libra1002, 2017)

Figure 2.53 : Maps of Kedah. (instant2travel, 2017).

Figure 2.54 : Pedu Lake of Kedah. (flickr, 2017)

Figure 2.55 : Graph of Kedah climate throughout the year. (en.climate-data.org, 2017)

Figure 2.56 : Picture show paddy field of Kedah. (prezi, 2017)

Figure 2.57 : Traditional Malay House around Malaysia.(prezi, 2017)

Figure 2.58 : Traditional trading in Malaysia. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.59 : Picture shown is Gagak Sura. (ipedr, 2017)

Figure 2.60 : Picture shown flora craving on wood. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.61 : Picture shown calligraphy craving. (prophetpbuh, 2017)

Figure 2.62 : Picture shown geomertry style craving. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.63 : Picture shown cosmos theme on the wood craving. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.64 : View of Alor Setar city. (anotherbrickinwall, 2017)

Figure 2.65 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day. (tripmondo, 2017)

Figure 2.66 : Table shown table of ethnic group in Kedah. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.67 : Picture shown was Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. (kungfukindom, 2017)

Figure 2.68 : Picture shown is Tradtional Silat. (members, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 2

FIGURE

Figure 2.69 : Ornament of Traditional Malay House. (pinterest, 2017)

Figure 2.70 : Common Malay House in Kedah. (ilusidanfantasi, 2017)

Figure 2.71 : Picture shown traditional Malay House roofing. (aldeeny, 2017)

Figure 2.72 : Picture shown traditional support construction of roof. (prezi, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.1: Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks of

Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

Figure 3.2: Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks

of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

Figure 3.3: The aerial view of the stadium. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.4: Entrance view of the stadium.(Google, 2017)

Figure 3.5: The elevation of Leong Say Tong. (Google , 2017)

Figure 3.6 : The entrance view of the temple. (GoogleMap, 2017)

Figure 3.7: Interior of the temple. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.8: MBAS swimming pool. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.9: Kedah State Museum is a 3 storey high building. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.10 : Front facade of PSMCK (GoogleMap, 2017)

Figure 3.11: Palm trees behind Kedah house. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.12 : Mango tree at the site compound. (Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.13 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house. (Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.14 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house. (Ng, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.15 : Kampong’s orientation. ( Google, 2017)

Figure 3.16 : Kampong’s organic layout. ( Google, 2017)

Figure 3.17 : An example of a kampong communal activity being held. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.18 : Aerial view of the Qa’bah ( Google, 2017)

Figure 3.19 : Location of Mecca (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.20 : Surau in Kampong. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.21 : Surau Haji Abdul Rahman. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.22 (Top) : Aerial View of the site (Google map, 2017)

Figure 3.23 (Bottom) : View of the buildings from parking lot (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.24 : Pureness of Materials ( Quinn, 2017 )

Figure 3.25 : Vernacular Architecture ( Quinn, 2017 )

Figure 3.26 : Thermal Diagram.( Google, 2017 )

Figure 3.27 : Roof Details on Sheltering.( Iddin, 2017 )

Figure 3.28 : Air Circulation through the house (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.29 (Top) : Ventilation Ornamental Gaps (Google map, 2017)

Figure 3.30 (Bottom) : Ventilation on the Window (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.31 : Ventilation Ornament 1 (Quinn, 2017)

xvii

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.32 : Ventilation Ornament 2 (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.33 : Ventilation Ornament 3 (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.35 Floor plan of Kedah traditional house. (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

Figure 3.36 : Stairs leading up to the anjung. (Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.37 : Serambi Gantung. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.38 : The dim lighting in the room are achieved by lesser window and openings. (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.39 (Top) : Kitchen (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.40 (Below) :Cooking utensil. (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.41 : East Side of the house (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.42 : East Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.43 : West Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.44 : South Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.45 : North Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.46 : Gable Screen ornament (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.47 : Roof Ornamental Detail(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.48 : Foundation of the House (Quinn, 2017)

xviii

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.49 : Horizontal Wall (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.50 : Timber Wall Placing (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.51 : Windows at Traditional House (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.52 : Staircase from South Side of the House (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.53 : Bedroom Space and ambience (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.54 : Transom Window Details (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.55 : The wall lights in the house. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.56 : Examples of Furniture inside the house (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.57 : Example of Mosque Plan (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.58 : Muslim Daily Life Diagram (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.59 : East Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.60 : West Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.61 : South Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.62 : North Side of Surau (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.63 : Ventilation Carving detail (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.64 : Surau Interior Details (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.65 : The door knob on one of the doors in Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

xix

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.66 : Openings in the living area of the Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.67 : Two shutters window in Kedah House. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.68 : Tebar layar on the roof. (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.69 : The ornaments on the roof. (Iddin,2017)

Figure 3.70: The sunbeam motif on the gable screen. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.71 : Floral carvings on the staircase. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.72 : Floral carvings at the wall panel. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.73 : Ventilation Carving on the wall (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.74 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.75 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.76 : Deer head wall decoration in Kedah House. (Ng, 2017)

Figure 3.77 : Surau’s Roof (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.78 : House’s Roof (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.79 : Gable Screen Decoration (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.80 : Ornamental Ventilation (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.81 : Light Illusion in house (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.82 : Light Penetration details (Quinn, 2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 3

FIGURE

Figure 3.83 : Ceiling’s joist (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 3.84 : Flooring’s Joist (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.85 : Vernacular Architecture Details (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.86 : Surau Window’s view (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.87 : The design of Malay House varies from states to states in Peninsular Malaysia. (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.88 : Indoor view of the roof. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 3.89 : Typical Kedah Traditional House (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.90 : View of a Negeri Sembilan house type (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.91 : View of a Perak house type (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.92 : View of a Kelantan house type (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.93 : Example layout of Malay house in Malacca (Google, 2017)

Figure 3.94 : Example layout of Perak Malay House (Google, 2017)

xxi

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 4

FIGURE

Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2 : Ancient people chop down trees and transport the tress to site from forest

(Noenkcahyana,2012)

Figure 4.3 & Figure 4.4 : These buildings were not using any nails for construction but now a days, it stars to

corrode, therefore people used nails to protect both of this meaningful buildings (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.5 & Figure 4.6 : Ancient people used Kapak and Parang when chop down trees (Asalsilat,2015)

Figure 4.7 & Figure 4.8 : The unit of measure in Depa system (Sastrabali,2016)

Figure 4.9 & Figure 4.10 : Exterior façade view of traditional Malay house and surau (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.11 : Exterior post and lintel (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.12 : Exterior Wall (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.13 : Interior roof structure (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.14 : Beautiful Ornaments on staircase (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.15 : Exterior staircase ,Surau (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.16 : Pasak known as nail but is made using wood .These technique ws used to interlock the steps with

the outer striger (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.17 : Detail showing junction of tie beam, column and joist. The floor joist is jointed to the column

(Quinn,2017)

xxii

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 4

FIGURE

Figure 4.18 : Ornaments help these buildings improvement air ventilation and the beauty of the house

(Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.19 & Figure 4.20 : Beduk who located at ground floor of the Malay traditional surau (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.21 : Pokok Bemban (Alamendah.,2011)

Figure 4.22 : Pokok Buluh (Warisanpetani,2016)

Figure 4.23 : Pokok Rumbia (Learnmelanau,2011)

Figure 4.24 : Interior looks of Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.25 : Exterior looks of Atap Rumbia (Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.26 : Worker ties all the daun Rumbia together with using Rotan. (Fenditazkirah,2013)

Figure 4.27 : Daun Rumbia basks in the sun (Amlubai-kerabat,2015)

Figure 4.28 : Iron bar was setting on window frame (Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.29 : Exposed Foundation (Iddin,2017)

xxiii

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 5

FIGURE

Figure 5.1 : Basic Construction of Traditional House (Yuan, 1987)

Figure 5.2: The Setting up of a basic traditional Malay House Form (Yuan,1987)

Figure 5.3 : Construction process of traditional Malay House (memori-Kedah, 2017)

Figure 5.4: Concrete Footing and foundation of the two traditional buildings (Iddin,2017)

Figure 5.5: Placing of Column and Footing of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.6: Placing of Column and Footing of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.7: Set up of Foundation formwork steps.(cgetechnology,2011)

Figure 5.8: Column Construction detail with steel rod connecting the footing sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.9: View upwards from lower ground of the timber joist system with floorboards laid across the joists

(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.10: Exposed joists and beams seen from below of Surau Haji Abdul Reahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.11: Usage of round timber joists for the open-air “pelantar”(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.12: Connection details of nails for round timber joists (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.13: Usage of dowels to secure parts (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.14: Beam to Column Connection Detail with wedges sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.15: Basic Mortise and Tenon Joint detail sketch (Dana, 2017)

xxiv

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 5

FIGURE

Figure 5.16: Detail of Spacing of the joists resting upon the beam.in the traditional Sungai Ular House (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 5.17: Basic lap joint sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.18: An example of the post and beam being recessed to secure to one another (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.19: Construction detail of Wall system and floor system (picrevise, 2017)

Figure 5.20: External wall view of Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.21: Side view of weatherboards on exterior wall (agung1501, 2014)

Figure 5.22: Kedah House showing its roof structure (Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.23: The surau with a close view of its roof (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Wikipedia,2007)

Figure 5.25: Queen post truss seen in the surau (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.26: A clear view of the layers consisting of purlins, principal rafters and the common rafters

(Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.27: Zoomed in view of the ties betwwen the atap layers (Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.28: A full view of the surau and its roof system (Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.29: The material used for the atap of both of the buildings (Quinn,2017)

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LIST OF FIGURES

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FIGURE

Figure 5.30 (Top left) : Construction details on the lowest layer roof, supported by the front columns (Qayyum,

2017)

Figure 5.31 (Top right) : The ridge board of the roof, connects two queen post truss along with the purlins

(Qayyum, 2017)

Figure 5.32 (Bottom left) : Additional detail highlighting the rafters underneath the roof eaves (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.33 (Bottom right) : Zoomed out view of the roof details with an additional beam (with ceiling fan)

supporting the structure (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.34: A perspective view of the staircase at the surau (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.35: Woodcarved stairs found just at the entrance to the house (Jiyann,2017)

Figure 5.36: Unexploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional

House,2017)

Figure 5.37: Exploded Axonometric of stairs at the surau, highlighting which joints should be connected

(Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House,2017)

Figure 5.38: A hybrid of concrete and wood makes the staircase unique (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.39: The treenail (pasak) used to lock the joints in place (Quinn,2017)

xxvi

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 5

FIGURE

Figure 5.40: Main Floor Plan of Sungai Ular House indicating the placement of windows and doors sketch

(Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.41: Main Floor Plan of Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.42: Louvred window shutters in surau.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.43: Louvred window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House ,2017)

Figure 5.44: Double casement windows.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.45: Double casement window Detail Drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House

,2017)

Figure 5.46: Double hinged door (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.47: Double Hinged door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

Figure 5.48: Sliding Door detail drawing (Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

Figure 5.49: Door frame detail of the double hinged door (Zulkifli,1999)

Figure 5.50: Mortise and tenon joint detail (Zulkifl, 1999)

Figure 5.51: Mortise and tenon joint detail of the door frame (Zulkifli, 1999)

xxvii

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 6

FIGURE

Figure 6.1: The moulds from one of the pieces of wood under the floor boards (Jiyann,2017)

Figure 6.2: Some of the appearance defects of the wood used for both buildings (Jiyann,2017)

Figure 6.3: A zoomed in view of the deterioration some of the columns suffer (Quinn,2017)

Figure 6.4: Woodcarving defect (Iddin,2017)

Figure 6.5: View of the remains of one of the broken windows (Dana,2017)

Figure 6.6: The rusting found on the iron bars at the interior side of the window (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 6.7: The gaping hole found on the atap (Quinn,2017)

xxviii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

The module, Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings for the course Bachelor of Science (Honours) in

Architecture is the basis for this assignment. The module lasts 2 months from 9th January to 9th March 2017 and

involves students of semester 2 and semester 3 of Bsc(Hons) in Architecture. The module consists of 3 parts of

projects comprising of different aspects to the said documentation and drawings.

The module synopsis is as follows:

“The subject aims to develop an understanding of the principles of building preservation/conservation and the methods of

recording it in three documentation methods; measured drawings, written documentation and photographic documentation. The

ideas of application and management of architectural historic documentation will be presented as part of the overall knowledge

of building preservation/conservation. For measured drawings, students are to document historically and architecturally

significant buildings in the form of as-built drawings. The task requires 10 to 20 students per group that involve fieldworks

consisting of measuring techniques such as photographing, sketching, using of theodolite and measuring tapes. The outcomes

of the subject are collection of plans, section, elevations, details and axonometric views / models; complemented with a report

that explains about the background, history, concept, style construction techniques and ornamentation of the building.”

2

This assignment, commenced by a team of 19 students and a tutor, Mr. Mohamed Rizal Mohamed. As a compulsory

requirement for the module, the team must attend an on-site field trip to measure and document two traditional Kedah

buildings in the facility of the Kedah State Museum in Alor Setar, Kedah for a duration of 6 days from 20th – 25th

January 2017.

This report is the requirement of Project 2: Building Report and Photobook, and it is the product of the research and

documentation brought upon the two Kedah traditional buildings throughout the duration of this assignment. It

consists of measured drawings, pictures, references and written text of research based on external sources, the site-

visit and discussions regarding the assignment guidelines.

Our scope of research is the culture and history of the Kedah traditional buildings and its relationship to the

architecture and construction. The main topics of our research are Culture and History, Architecture and Design, and

Building Construction. The report will closely highlight the importance of each topics and how they affect each other in

various aspects.

3

1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This assignment aims to introduce several methods of documenting historic structures to preserve an accurate

record of historic properties for research or preservation purposes, and introduce basic preparation of measured

drawings of a building or structure to prescribed standard. Through the assignments, students are able to acquire

hands on experience in the process of documenting historically and culturally significant buildings with the process of

manual measuring, technical drawings, in-depth research and model making.

This report showcases important information regarding the traditional Kedah buildings in various aspects. The focus

of the report is to analyse the relationship of its culture and history, architecture and design, and building

construction.

The aims of the assignment is as follow:-

● To produce sketches as proof of individual’s in-depth understanding of the building

● To accurately measure the buildings and produce technical drawings based on the measurements as it is.

● To produce a report that compiles all the information gathered from research on the buildings

● To produce a video as a documentation of the building

● To produce a scaled model based on the documentations of the buildings

The report aims to answer the following questions regarding how does the culture and history affect the function and

features of the buildings; what significance does the buildings show in architectural and design aspects; what are the

functions and types of the construction details; how do the social classes affect the materials and where are they

acquired.

4

1.3 EQUIPMENT AND METHODOLOGY

EQUIPMENT

Several tools and equipment are used for various purposes, such as measuring or providing access to complete the

process of measuring and documentation.

Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter

This device has played an important role in the measuring and documentation of this project. This is a laser equipped

device that is capable of measuring distances more efficiently and accurately. It is very useful for situations when the

measured distance is not reachable or accessible by measuring tape. With various settings available, the device can

measure heights of the roof or identify the distance between rafters. With the right mode, it can also measure angles.

The accuracy of the device is up to 3 decimal points.

Figure 1.1 Bosch GLM 80 Professional Digital

Laser Distance Meter (Bosch, 2017)

5

Measuring Tape

Measuring tapes are essential in any type of measurements involving building construction. It is an efficient tool that

can be deployed quickly to get fast measurements. Measuring tapes are useful for measuring moderate distances of

up to 20 meters and further distances of up to 100 meters depending on the type of measuring tape. For long

distances, it is operated by 2 people as one end is placed at the starting edge and the other for the reading to get

accurate measurements. It has measurement readings in centimeters and feet.

Figure 1.2 100-meter measuring tape (Komelon,

2017)

Figure 1.3 8-meter measuring tape (Stanley,

2017)

6

Level Tool (R 60 Professional Set)

The level tool is provided as a set together with the laser distance

meter. The laser distance meter is kept in the level tool and can

be removed easily. The level tool is required to ensure that

measurements are aligned and straight and not angled.

DSLR Camera and Tripod Stand

The camera is an essential tool in the process of documenting.

The camera needs to provide clear image that accurately depicts

the features and elements of the building. It is used for the

photobook compilation and video required from the assignments.

The pictures are also important for the detailing used in the

drawings.

String

The string has many functions for the measurements. Among the

functions of string are, to set a boundary of measurement, to

measure curved surfaces, to check alignments and to use as a

marker on-site.

Figure 1.4 R 60 Professional Tool (Bosch, 2017)

Figure 1.5 Canon DSLR with Stand (Canon,

2017)

Figure 1.6 Ball of string (Dreamstime, 2017)

7

Extendable Ladder / Multi–purpose Ladder

Ladder provides vertical access to unreachable heights. It is used to ease measurements that are high above

and could not be reached by human height. The ladder goes up to 3 meters depending on type.

Figure 1.7 Foldable ladder (Pepperfry,

2017)

Figure 1.8 Extension ladder (Werner,

2017)

8

Crane

A crane was rented for a day during our on-site fieldwork. The crane provides very high elevations to measure

elements unreachable without proper equipment. It is used to measure elements on the roof.

Figure 1.9 Platform Crane (Iddin, 2017)

9

METHODOLOGY

Methodology is important to get accurate measurements and to ensure the most efficient workforce. Therefore,

several methods were used to measure and document the building appropriately.

Traditional Measuring Technique

To measure each measurement manually on-site. The equipment used for this method were measuring tape,

laser distance meter, string, ladder, level tool and crane. It is to use any means necessary to measure an

element physically.

Figure 1.10 Measuring with crane (Iddin,

2017)

Figure 1.11 Measuring

with ladder (Iddin, 2017)

Figure 1.12 Measuring with measuring

tape (Iddin, 2017)

10

Taking Photos

Taking photos with the camera is essential for the details of ornamentations. It will be too much of an effort to

measure every single detail on a single ornament. Instead, taking a photo and tracing them on software then

scaling them is more efficient and appropriate.

On-Site Strategy

In our situation where we had to measure two buildings, namely Rumah Sungai Ular and Surau Haji Abdul

Rahman Bin Abdullah. Therefore, we have separated our team to 3 groups with one photographer. The result is

having 7-8 people measuring for buildings in 2 groups with roles such as, plans, elevation and section. And a

group of 3 in charge of site context around the site. At the end of each measuring session, we discussed our

measurements to ensure they are accurate.

Software Programs

The methods we used for producing the technical drawing is through software programs such as AutoCAD. This

is a much more effective method compared to manual drawings. As some team members are from semester 2,

there are some lack of experience in that aspect.

11

Literature Research

We have used several methods for researching the information and data regarding the buildings. The methods

include, using the internet, researching books, and interviews.

On the internet, we were able to find brief information regarding the culture and architecture of traditional houses

in general. We were also able to get information on the construction details of the buildings. All sources are

properly referenced for copyright laws.

Through the library, we were able to get detail information about traditional houses in Kedah, including culture,

context and construction. The books are referenced appropriately.

During our site visit, we were able to interview an officer, En Zulkifli with knowledge on the building. We were

able to get the much-needed history of the buildings that could not be found elsewhere.

12

Model-making

Model-making is an essential part towards documenting the buildings. The models provide a solid representation

that gives the viewers freedom of perspective. To make the to-scale model, there are a few methods to consider

and execute.

The main method used is to laser cut the materials for assembly with a laser cutting machine. The AutoCAD

drawings are used as the machine’s reference. In the situations where laser cut is not efficient or effective for an

element of the model, manual cutting technique with pen knife is used.

Upon completion of cutting, the model is assembled by hand with aid of binding materials. Much precaution is

taken during the assembly process.

13

1.4 LIMITATIONS

RANDOM ERROR

Also known as human error is the situation when an individual did not retrieve an accurate measurement. These

errors can be caused by, wrong eye position, individual carelessness, and other external factors. To avoid this

situation, we have checked our measurements multiple times to achieve the most accurate result.

LACK OF INFORMATION

As our team was put on the spot to measure these buildings due to a change of site, we did not do prior

research before the site visit. Also, the research of the buildings hit a snag when we were unable to get any

details pertaining to the history of the building from all the sources. We were only able to get a brief history of

both the buildings through the interview.

14

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The purpose of this report is to showcase and highlight the significance of Rumah Sungai Ular and Surau Haji

Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah in various aspects, mainly its cultural significance, its relationship with architecture,

and the uniqueness of building construction. The report consists of information regarding the buildings and the

influences such as society, economy, politics and site. These information and data are also purposed to preserve

the recorded cultural and historical significance of the buildings.

Furthermore, this study gave us a precious insight of the cultural significance of these buildings. And provided us

with profound knowledge regarding every detail we have studied upon. By documenting our research, it is with

our regards that we are able to provide more people to have access to knowledge about these buildings and the

architectural style in general. Also, to spread knowledge of the culture and daily activities of the traditional Malay

lifestyle in hopes of more awareness to better understand and appreciate the traditional houses of Malaysia.

The study includes appropriate drawings, pictures, illustrations, video, and report to provide the most in-depth

information that rediscovers the beauty of traditional Malay houses in Malaysia.

15

2.1 HISTORY & CULTURE OF MALAYSIA

HISTORY OF MALAYSIA

Figure 2.1: The way of living of the past.

(prepcue, 2017)

Ancient times (8000 B.C - 3rd Century AD)

The arrival of stone-age hunters and gatherers was the pioneer that step

foot in Malaya. Farmers were involved in agriculture activities. Bronze

and iron were the essence to the materials of farming tools. People

settled along the rivers, bringing fishing and growing crops partly into

their lives. In the North, Kedah was very happening as it was highly

civilized and trace of influences from India through trade became

apparent. Buddhism and Hinduism were introduced as well.

Figure 2.2: The strategic spot at Malacca

brought success to Srivijaya. (konfrontasi,

2017)

Srivijaya (7th Century- 13th Century)

Domination from the state of Srivijaya arose, controlling the coast of

Malay Peninsular. Trades with India and China caused the Malacca

straits to be ruled. Srivijaya was at it’s peak until the 11th century. It

went downfall after it’s power declined.

17

Figure 2.3: Parameswara and his followers

exploring the foreign land, which is named

Malacca after that. (kttahun5sksl, 2017)

Malacca (14th Century - 1511)

A great leader, Parameswara and his followers discovered the land

Melaka. Malacca was filled with power and wealth due to the

tradings with Arab, Chinese and Indian. It brought attention to the

Portuguese causing the fall of Malacca.

Figure 2.4: Portuguese was defeated by the force

of Johor and Dutch. (holidaymapq, 2017)

Johor and The Dutch (16th Century-

17thCentury)

The collaboration between Johor and the Dutch has led them to a

successful domination towards Malacca. Portuguese was defeated

and replaced. In the 17th century, the Dutch wiped out the other

European area.It was a glorious period of time for the Dutch and

Johor, as their power came together. In 1699, Sulatan Mahmud was

assassinated and marks the end of Johor power.

18

The Colonization of British (18th Century)

In 1786, Francis Light came into Penang and found Georgetown. In 1824, the Dutch

surrendered Malacca to the British. The population of the states were rapidly

increasing due to the entering of Chinese and Indian workers. Sarawak was also

controlled by British and their territory expanded.

`

Figure 2.5: Francis Light colonized Penang and his contribution has made Penang

one of the strategic locations for trading purposes. (surakit, 2017)

Figure 2.6: Rubber estate was one of the rising industry

during the colonization of British. (Iumwmalaysianstudies,

2017)

British Malaya (1895- 20th Century)

British has expanded their influences throughout the whole

Malaya. Beginning of the 20th century, one of the new

industry has become one of the popular industries - the

rubber industry. In addition, the oil and tin industry has also

joined in. Malayan’s economy has improve immensely until

the 1930s where the economy falls. At that time, the

unemployment rate rose.

19

Figure 2.7: Japanese entered Malaya with great

power. They’ve shown cruelty and were

constantly spreading propaganda. (mahaguru,

2017)

The Rise of Japanese (1941- 1942)

On the 8th of December 1941, the invasion of the Japanese towards the

Malay Peninsular occurred. The appearance of the Japanese has led

British to surrender themselves. Japanese troops has conquered most of

the lands and Chinese were treated badly.

Figure 2.8: Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime

Minister during Malaysia’s Independence Day.

(merpatiputih88, 2017)

Malaya Independence (1944 - 1965)

In 1944, Japanese was defeated and British has decided to unify the

states in Malayan called the Malayan Union. Some of the people opposed

the idea of unifying the states. Many new parties was formed to take

action regarding the matter, and come out with a solution. In 1955, A

constitution for Malaya was prepare by the Reid Commission and Malaya

soon achieved independence on 31st August 1957. The first prime

minister was Tunku Abdul Rahman. In 1963, Singapore Sarawak and

Sbah joined Malaya. However in 1965, Singapore was separated.

20

Figure 2.9: The major racial argument and

violence. (pinterest, 2017)

The Tragedy ( 1960- 1969)

In the 1960s, there was a racial incident whereby the Malays and Non-

Malays wasn’t in peace. The unsatisfactory between races has caused

arguments and violence in May 1969. On the 13th May 1969, the supporters

of the opposition were celebrating their success while the supporters of

governing parties were against the oppositions and all the difference in

standings led to two days of violence. After the incident, a declaration

regarding the state of emergency and also the suspension of parliament was

made.

Figure 2.10: The iconic Twin Tower located at

Kuala Lumpur. (inspireholidays, 2017)

Modern Malaysia (1971- 1991)

In 1971, the parliament was progressively reconvened. Malaysian

government restructured themselves, and incorporated new economic

policies. Since then, Malaysia has improving and turning into a country that

was filled with rich agriculture and industrial. In 1991, a new development

policy was implemented.

21

Malaysia, filled with rich historical and cultural

background, undergone a journey with multiple

encounter with the foreigners, that has made us known

to a widespread of exposure towards the outside world,

that made us accepting, being able to tolerate, and

stand as one regardless of where we’ve come from, that

has lived in peace and strive towards the known and

unknown that are ahead of us together. As the citizen of

Malaysia, all the great fights and remarkable

contributions by the people cannot be forgotten. In fact,

it has to be revisited to remind us who we are, and what

we’re capable of. In terms of the architectural aspects,

we begin from the old days, where the natural

environment became inspirations and resources to

survival purposes, to new creations, to a soulful shelter.

We trace back to the traditional Malay houses, going

back to the basics, and rediscover the values and ideas

behind these buildings.

Figure 2.11: Malaysia, a country filled with multicultural

individuals that lived in peace and harmony. (emaze,

2017)

Figure 2.12: The warriors of the country, that protected

the land shall always be remembered, with the build of

National Monument. (oxfordpoetryelection, 2017)

22

CULTURE OF MALAYSIA

Figure 2.13: The absence of boundaries around houses,

openness and intimacy were still retained.

(srikanditunteja,2017)

Figure 2.14: The friendly environment, that allows people to

visit one another freely. (remembersingapore, 2017)

The cultural background of the people are always

reflected in vernacular architecture, by understanding the

interaction that speaks for itself. In the past, the

neighborhood is always filled with people from all races.

Houses were always spread out in a specific zone with

vegetation surrounding the houses. There is a culture of

people visiting neighboring houses, sharing stories,

carrying out small talks or even helping out one another. It

was a simple life that people were living in. Houses were

located nearby with one another. Thus, even though it

was individual houses spread on a coverage of an area,

but the way of living is open and intimate. There wasn’t

any boundary restricting each family’s spaces back then.

People were more closer together, by being able to see

whats going on in the surrounding and without having

barriers in between. It was a friendly environment that was

reflected by the orientation of houses, where everyone in

the neighborhood is included.

23

In terms of the structural aspect, the house is raised by

multiple linear post. With it’s condition being raised, the

drainage system of the kitchen in traditional Malay houses

becomes an addition to the nourishment of the surrounding

vegetation. Some facilities are located outside the house,

such as the well and the toilet that reflects the Malay

building culture. There are a lot of daily life routines that

affects the functionality inside the house.For example, the

highly ventilated roof is sometimes used as the space to dry

dishes. Every element in this concept of a traditional Malay

house allowed us to understand the people, especially

people from the past that were living in a basic lifestyle,

making full use of the spaces in the house, fulfilling multiple

or specific functions, It shows how the house is constructed

in a way where every design elements is essential and

contributes to fit the needs of the people and a certain

culture or social aspects.

It wasn’t about modernizing the lifestyles of the people in

the past, or acknowledging how much has the financial

success that we have achieved, but the reasons to persist

the traditional form of design and construction that are more

noticeable.

Figure 2.15: A basic shelter to complement the simple

living without neglecting the consideration of the

environmental factors. (sda-architect,2017)

24

2.2 HISTORY OF MALAY ARCHITECTURE

Figure 2.16: A conventional traditional Malay house is mainly

supported using the post-and-beam system, which can be

seen clearly. (Quinn, 2017)

The Malay vernacular architecture in Malaysia established

by the Malay race has created authentic houses that has

reflected the life of Malay culture. The traditional Malay

houses that can be seen signifies the early progression of

basic houses.The idea of public and private spaces weren’t

the considerations to design a house. Their focus isn’t about

the architectural elements, such as the doors or walls. Thus,

the spatial quality of the spaces in traditional Malay houses

was not put into attention. The most apparent structure that

can be seen in a traditional Malay house is the post-and-

beam support system. It was defined by the positioning of

the post, the raise of floor level against the ground and the

construction method done by wood. In South East Asia

countries, similar elements like the raised floor level, gable

roofs, and also linear posts can be found too. This shows

how the Malay vernacular architecture is a representation of

the beginning of the architectural styles in the South East

Asia region.The history of the traditional Malay house

shares the same features, elements and structure among

the other similar houses in South East Asia countries. For

example, countries like Thailand and Indonesia also can

find these similar concepts of a traditional Malay houses.

25

Traditional Malay houses are similar to one another,

but it comes with a little variation based on the different

parts of Peninsular Malaysia. The Malay vernacular

architecture has been modified with implementations of

new style from the exposure of the outside world,

countries like Indonesian, Siamese, Arab, British,

Dutch, Portuguese, Southern Chinese and more. For

example, In the 15th century, it was the period when a

large numbers of Chinese laborers arrived and worked

in Selangor, Perak as well as Pahang.

Figure 2.17: The map above shows the Peninsular Malaysia

and the definite location of each states.(ngsoongwenn, 2017)

Figure 2.18 & 2.19: The basic design of a traditional malay house. (pinterest,2017) (flickriver, 2017)

The traditional Malay house building style was first brought in by a Chinese worker, where he built an unique form of house

for the them to accommodate his basic design that still reminds us his intentions of designing the house.

26

Wood is the main material used to build building structures of a

traditional Malay house, including walls, doors, windows and more. Most

of the materials can be found in forest areas. At that time, Nipa palm,

Nibong, and swamp palms were being used for roof materials. Some of

these materials are split into banks to be used for the flooring as well.

Some of the traditional Malay uses the similar roof materials, but

corrugated iron has virtually replaced atap roof. In addition, Malay

houses has evolved and changed to suit people’s taste. For instance, the

use of furniture and the choice of walls height. But, the main layout

design of a Traditional Malay house remains the same: Rumah Ibu,

Rumah Dapur, Serambi, and Anjung. These are part the culture of a

traditional Malay house.

Figure 2.20: Hardwood that are commonly

used to build the house is cengal

wood.(manchestertimbermerchants, 2017)

Figure 2.21: Nipa palm leaves used to

create atap roof. (dreamstime, 2017)

Figure 2.22 & 2.23: Examples of Rumah Dangau/Teratak. (pecidasase,2017)

Rumah Dangau or Rumah Teratak is a

single-unit house and it is also the

earliest form of traditional Malay house.

It is rarely seen in Malaysia, but it can

still be found in rural areas. Rumah

Dangau / Teratak has only one single

main space and a compact kitchen area,

some Rumah Dangau / Teratak has a

porch extending from the building roof.

27

In the 19th century, traditional Malay houses in Malacca often use wood carvings to decorate their houses. In

addition, the staircase that are located in the front entrance were covered in art nouveau tiles. Traditional Malay

houses in Malacca shows multicultural history such as the Chinese-inspired courtyard and tiled staircase. Hence, it

influences the pattern of carvings and being incorporated in ornamentation design of aa traditional Malay house.

Figure 2.24: Carvings and ornamentation that are

incorporated in traditional Malay houses. (pinterest,

2017)

Figure 2.25: Carvings that are used to decorate the house

are usually inspired the natural environment. Flora patterns

are one of the commonly used patterns.(jadhomes, 2017)

28

HISTORY OF RUMAH DATO MURSYID DIRAJA HAJI ABDU L RAHMAN BIN ABDULLAH

(SURAU)

Figure 2.26: The overall view of the Surau.

(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.27: The South Elevation of the Surau.

The cylindrical shaped object is called the Beduk.

It was used during the prayers. (Quinn, 2017)

This surau is owned by Dato 'Mursyid Sultan, Haji Abdul

Rahman bin Abdullah, which is also known as Haji Abdul

Rahman Merbok. It was a traditional Malay house

originally, but the owner has decided to teach Al-Quran.

Hence, the owner transforms the Malay house into a

surau. The Sultan of Kedah awarded the title ‘Dato

'Mursyid Royal’ to the building owner because of his own

expertise in Islamic affairs.

The workers started the building construction of this Malay

house in 1939 and the building is completed in 1941. Since

the inhabitants of this house began in 1941, the house was

made as a place to teach al-Quran and religious books.

The local community often visit the house for the purpose

of studying the religious sciences until his death on 1

November 1986.

The home Dato Mursyid was awarded to the State

Museum Kedah in 1988 after a new house was built.

29

HISTORY OF RUMAH TRADISIONAL KAMPUNG SUNGAI

ULAR, KULIM, KEDAH.

This traditional Malay house was named Rumah Sungai Ular, Kulim. The owner of the house was Encik Saman Bin

Saad. He gave the house to the Kedah State Museum on 19 September 1988 through the hands of the Tunku Abdul Jalil

Bin Tunku Thiauddin, Kulim District Officer. The house used to display tools and pictures that shows the lifestyle of the

people from the past. Present day, the house is no longer opened to public, but only open to students or any research

study purposes.

Figure 2.28: The East Elevation of the house. The

entrance was the staircase that leads the path towards

the Anjung.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.29: The Rumah Ibu, which is also the space

where family members rest. (Quinn, 2017)

30

2.3 THE CULTURE OF MALAY ARCHITECTURE

MAIN FEATURES OF THE MALAY HOUSE

The traditional Malay house not only reflects the creativity and the aesthetics of the Malay Culture, but also meets their

socioeconomic, cultural and environmental needs.

Figure 2.30 & 2.31: The surrounding environment of the traditional Malay houses

are filled with vegetation. (theodora, 2017) (cheeseburgerbuddha, 2017)

The traditional Malay house

normally sets in a small

compound and the open spaces

are usually facing the front and

surrounded with vegetation.

Variety of fruit tress may pass

the edge of the building.

Figure 2.32: The well serves as an essential feature to the lives of the people, serving water for their daily usage. (123rf, 2017)

There is a well located at the back compound of the traditional Malay house for

drinking, washing as well as bathing.

31

Figure 2.33: The joist that contributes to the support of the

floorboards and the weight of the building. (Quinn, 2017)

The main design of all the traditional Malay House has its own

building construction method which allows the house to be easily

assemble and disassemble wherever or whenever necessary.

Another main feature of all the traditional Malay house is the

height of the building, steep sloping gable roof.

Traditional Malay house has roof that are covered with atap, which are light in weight and also a good thermal insulator made

from palm tree leaves. Atap roof cools down the interior spaces during the day and night, and it can release heat during

daytime. Besides that, the roof is fit with tebar layar, which prevents the roof from leakage during rain fall, at the same time

provides good ventilation.

Figure 2.34: The layer of atap leaves are tied

up together and used to attached with the

roof. (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 2.35: The steep roof with the rafters at

the back of it supporting the whole roof

structure. (Quinn, 2017)

32

Figure 2.36: The base of the columns are made up

of concrete, with timber post to support and elevate

the floor level. (Quinn, 2017)

In addition, another main feature of the traditional Malay house are

the stilts, which is the post that supports the whole house, raising

from the ground. Traditional Malay houses were usually built along

the rivers. Thus, the idea of a raised floor construction is to avoid

the dampness around the house in this hot and humid tropical

climate. It can avoid flash floods during the rainy season and allow

ventilation through the cracked woods flooring. In addition, the

raised floor system prevent attacks from wild animals especially for

those traditional Malay houses that are located in the forest.

All traditional Malay houses have at least two entrances. The main

entrance is facing the front and another one facing the back. The front

main entrance is mostly for male visitors.In contrast, the back entrance

is for the women as well as the children. Female visitors usually enter

from the back entrance to join the gatherings and activities held in the

kitchen.

Figure 2.37: The staircase that leads to front

and back entrances of the house. The form of

the house that responds to the climate

conditions is also shown. (eficienciaenergtica,

2017)

33

Most of the traditional Malay house has slabs that are made from stone or timber at the base of the staircase. The spot is

where visitors put their shoes before entering the house. Besides that, a clay water vessel (tempayan) with a water gourd

(gayong) is put by the side for visitors to wash their feet upon ascending the stairs. This is to remain the cleanliness of

the interior spaces.

Figure 2.39: The water gourd (Gayong) (northerndipper,

2017)

Figure 2.38: The clay water vessel (Tempayan)

(kaskus, 2017)

34

INTERIOR SPACES OF THE MALAY HOUSE

One of the most congenial aspects of the Malay house is its openness. All traditional Malay houses are divided into

different spaces, instead of rooms. The most noticeable feature in the traditional Malay house is the absence of

partitions or solid ceiling-height walls that separates spaces. Instead of creating a solid boundary, Malay people tend to

use cloth as partitions to divide the spaces.

Figure 2.40: The division of spaces in a

traditional Malay House.(archfullstop,

2017)

Figure 2.41: The possibilities and flexibility of expanding the traditional

Malay house. (shirleysia-dissertation, 2017)

35

The traditional Malay house separate the spaces into 2 main categories:

I) The Public Spaces

The staircase located at the front of the house is a gesture of a

transitional space from a public region to a private region. It leads

people to the main area, which is what Malays call Anjung.

Anjung is a covered porch which is a space for people to gather

around and relax. This spot is also where visitors that passes by

the owner’s house and being greeted by them.

Figure 2.42: The indication of the staircase leading to the Anjung

(Covered Porch). (rumahkereda, 2017)

The Anjung leads to a long and narrow reception area, which the

Malay calls it Serambi, which connects the front porch to the

core of the house.This is a space where social interaction take

place and religious functions are carried out. The space is

mainly occupied for non-family members. Since the Serambi is

an open space, the space has more air ventilation.

Figure 2.43: The Serambi fits as a welcoming space for visitors.

(keywordsking, 2017)

36

The space adjacent to the Serambi is called the Rumah Ibu. It

is the main area of the traditional Malay house, one of the most

private and sacred space. This space where people carry out

prayers and rest. In addition, they perform household chores, for

instance ironing and sewing in Rumah Ibu.

Figure 2.44: The Rumah Ibu is where the privacy of the

family members are retained. (adesibank, 2017)

ii) The Private Spaces

Figure 2.46: The roof attic.(ujie, 2017)

Figure 2.45: The stairway to acces

the roof

attic.(rumahwarisanrabiahmatkleba

ngbesar, 2017)

Other than Rumah Ibu, there is also

an attic space called Loteng. It is

found in some traditional Malay house,

which is located in the roof space,

under the gables of Rumah Ibu.

37

Selang, which is a closed corridor that leads

to the Rumah Dapur, the kitchen of the

traditional Malay house. The kitchen of the

traditional Malay house is located at the

back of the house compound, this is mainly

for the women to gather and cook. It is also

a space for the family members to dine.

Figure 2.47: The kitchen (kosmo, 2017)

Figure 2.48: The

Pelantar (An open

platform)

(mycuteshoppe, 2017)

Figure 2.49: An

extension at the

kitchen area.

(mycuteshoppe, 2017)

The kitchen has a fire box for cooking

purposes. At the very end of the house,

there is an open platform, also known as the

Pelantar. It is constructed by timber and is

a build in utility in the Rumah Dapur. This is

the space for the family to prepare food and

to wash their clothes as well as the dishes.

38

Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store items. (Quinn,2017)

The space underneath the house is catered as a storage space or a working area.

Figure 2.50: An ample space under the house to store

items. (Quinn,2017)

Figure 2.51: An example of a sugar cane clamp stored

under the house, utilizing the empty spaces as a storage.

(Quinn, 2017)

39

2.4 HISTORY & THE CULTURE OF KEDAH

Figure 2.52 : Kedah state flag. (libra1002, 2017)

Insight

Kedah additionally known by its honorific, Darul Aman, or "Abode of Peace" is a state of Malaysia. The place can be found in

the North-Western part of the Peninsular Malaysia . The state covers an aggregate territory of more than 9,000 km², and it

comprises of the terrain and Langkawi. The territory has a generally leveled landscape, which is utilized to develop rice

which in other words, called the "rice-bowl' of Malaysia. Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, a large portion of which are

uninhabited. Kedah was called Kadaram by old and medieval Tamil individuals and Syburi by the Siamese when it was

under their influence. Toward the north, Kedah fringes the condition of Perlis and shares an universal limit with the Songkhla

and Yala regions of Thailand. It's outskirts is Perak towards the South and Penang toward the South-West.

The state's capital is Alor Setar and the regal seat is in Anak Bukit. Other significant towns that can be found are Sungai

Petani, Kulim on the terrain, and Kuah on Langkawi.

40

2.4.1 GEOGRAPHY

Kedah is the eighth biggest state and also one of the most populated state in Malaysia, with an aggregate land zone of

9,500 km2 (3,700 sq mi), and a populace of 1,890,098.

The Pedu Lake is the biggest man-made lake in the state.

Figure 2.53 : Maps of Kedah. (instant2travel, 2017) Figure 2.54 : Pedu Lake of Kedah. (flickr, 2017)

41

2.4.2 CLIMATE

Kedah has a tropical climate. The city has a critical precipitation, even in the driest month, there is still a considerable

measure of rain. As indicated by Köppen and Geiger, this atmosphere is named (Af = Tropical rainforest atmosphere;

normal precipitation of no less than 60 mm (2.4 in) in consistently). The normal yearly temperature is 19.5 °C in Kedah.

Precipitation here midpoints 1935 mm.

The driest month is July, with 67 mm of precipitation. The majority of precipitation in Kedah falls on the November,

averaging 245 mm.

The hottest month of the year is April, with an average temperature of 20.1 °C. July is the coldest month, with temperatures

averaging 19.0 °C.

Figure 2.55 : Graph of Kedah climate throughout the

year. (en.climate-data.org, 2017)

42

2.4.3 ECONOMY

Kedah is known as the "rice bowl" (Malay: Jelapang Padi) of Malaysia, representing about portion of Malaysia's aggregate

creation of rice. In 2008, the state government restricted the transformation of paddy fields to lodging and mechanical parts to

secure the rice business. Tourism, especially on the island of Langkawi is one of the developing significance.

Kedah has fashioned its economy towards the car and aviation businesses with Modenas and Asian Composites setting up

bases here. One of the fundamental preferences is the low work costs and the foundation set up with the North-South

Expressway and the Penang International Airport close by. In 1996, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) was formally opened as the

main high innovation mechanical stop in Malaysia. The Park contains an aggregate land territory of around 14.5 square

kilometers (5.6 mi²).

This monetary region is a piece of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). The Northern Corridor Economic Region is

one of the three improvements made by locals in Peninsular Malaysia; other advancement areas being the Iskandar Malaysia

(or South Johor Economic Region) and the East Coast Development Region.

Figure 2.56 : Picture show paddy field of Kedah.

(prezi, 2017)

43

2.4.4 ARCHITECTURE

Customary Malay engineering was extremely basic and moderate to oblige their families with exceptionally basic instruments

and low economy around them. As time passed by, there was an incredible advancement in their development strategy to suit

their evolving way of life, condition and needs.

The customary Malay house is one of the wealthiest segments of Malaysia's social legacy. It is planned and worked by the

villagers themselves. It has demonstrates the imaginative and tasteful aptitudes of the Malays. The outline of the conventional

Malay house mirrors the personality of the proprietor as well as demonstrate the financial, social and history of the past. The

conventional Malay house highlighted Malays in all way. The diversity between the house in each state demonstrated that

different regions has their own respective differences. The houses are designed well intended to suit its nearby climatic

conditions and express the lifestyle of its occupants, as far as adaptability and multifunctional employments.

The area of Kedah and Perlis makes the state of the Kedah Long Roofed House and Perlis Long Roofed House practically

comparable aside from the game plan of the different areas of the house. The course of action of the Kedah Long Roofed

House is stretched and has a long level rooftop with it's peak closes at the closures.

Figure 2.57 : Traditional Malay House around Malaysia. (prezi, 2017)

44

2.4.5 INFLUENCES

The spread of Islamic culture in Malaysia is said to have a few hypothesis. The landing of Islam through trade has exist since

before thirteenth century. The port on the shoreline of peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sumatra, and the northern island of Java

have been distinguished to be a critical amid seventh and eighth century. Materials, for example, fragrant wood and flavors has

been a noteworthy things which includes China, India and the Mediterranean area. Preacher action Plays an essential role

back then. Preachers who had arrived by means of trader boats had spread Islamic lessons and convictions to the nearby

individuals. Thus, they figured out how to spread Islam to the neighborhood rulers. Toward the end of the thirteenth century, a

few ports in northern Sumatra was overwhelmed by Islam. From there, Islam has spread to peninsular Malaysia. Malay wood

cutting is absolutely utilizes Islamic standards and theories as a center component in creating wood carvings. Along these

lines, all Hindu-Buddhist creatures themes were wiped out. In addition, Malay culture has slowly impacted the premise of wood

carving logic.

Figure 2.58 : Traditional trading in Malaysia. (pinterest,

2017)

45

Calligraphy

It was one of the things that were acknowledged by the

Malay Muslims. The carvers has been effectively creating

work of art highlighting Islamic craftsmanship. Calligraphy

kept on setting among the carvers and regularly incoporated

with nature and geometric themes. The calligraphy has its

own significance and usually displaced openly to the public.

The message relies upon the capacity of space.

Geometry

This geometric themes kept growing in accordance with

the acknowledgment of the Malays to Islam. At the point

when creatures thought processes are not permitted, the

carvers start to apply the geometric examples in the

cutting. For most of the part, the geometric themes joined

with calligraphic themes. There are geometric themes

joined with verdure. Geometric themes utilizes Islamic

geometry found in mosque, tombs, royal residences and

houses.

Figure 2.61 : Picture shown calligraphy craving.

(prophetpbuh, 2017)

Figure 2.62 : Picture shown geomertry style craving.

(Quinn, 2017)

47

Wood Carving in Kedah Traditional Architecture

Flora

Malays gravitates towards the floral theme since Islam restricts

the utilization of creature themes. Thus, the Malay carvers

applies develop nature as part of the carvings. At times, the

plants theme were taken from non-vital or obscure species by

any means. In any case, the imagination of the carvers have

made the carvings more intriguing. NIn present day, the plant

theme carvings contain stylish components. Some of the plants

carvers create are inspired by plants planted around the house

Fauna

Gagak Sura winged creature theme were use for illustrious

occasion. The legendary animals, for example, the garuda, the

God's vehicle were indicated among the people even before Islamic

culture.

After the attack of Islam in the district, all Hindu-Buddhist creatures

themes were dispensed. Creatures theme that have been chosen

were changed shrewdly and has been delivered in an unique way.

Figure 2.59 : Picture shown Gagak Sura. (ipedr, 2017)

Figure 2.60 : Picture shown flora craving on wood. (pinterest,

2017)

46

Cosmos

In the past, peoplein the Malay culture regularly uses elements such as the sun, moon, stars, mists move, the slopes, waves,

et cetera. Sun and star are the most regular themes utilized as a part of peak finishes.

Figure 2.63 : Picture shown cosmos theme on the wood

craving. Quinn, 2017)

48

2.5 HISTORY & THE CULTURE OF ALOR SETAR

Geography

Alor Setar is situated in the North-Western piece of Malaysia. Alor Setar has a population of more than 366,787 individuals.

It's fringe region areKubang Pasu, Pokok Sena and Pendang. It is situated at Coordinates 6 ° 7'N 100 ° 22'E, at the edge of

the Malacca Strait which isolates Malaysia from Indonesia.

The city once enveloped a range of 666 km²; and it was then lessened to a coverage of 424 km² because of the production of

the new area of Pokok Sena. Alor Setar is encompassed by critical stream frameworks, for example, the Kedah River, River

Langgar, Tajar River, Anak Bukit River, Alor Malai and Alor Merah.

Figure 2.64 : View of Alor Setar city. (anotherbrickinwall,

2017)

49

2.5.1 CLIMATE

Similarly with all parts of Malaysia, Alor Setar has an extremely protracted wet season.It is regular in a few districts with

the same atmosphere, precipitation is seen not withstanding amid the short dry season. The average temperature is

around 32 degrees Celsius and minimal temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar has frequent rainfall, as

large as 2300 mm of precipitation every year.

Figure 2.65 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day. (tripmondo, 2017)

50

2.5.2 DEMOGRAPHY

A larger part of Alor Setar are comprised of Kedahan Malay while the minority ethnics are trailed by Chinese, Indian, Thai,

and different Malays incorporate such as Pattani Malay.

Figure 2.66 : Climate of Alor Setar during the day.

(pinterest, 2017)

51

2.5.3 HISTORY

Alor Setar was established in 1735 by Kedah's nineteenth Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II and is the state's

eighth managerial focus since the foundation of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The prior managerial focuses were situated in

Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.

Noteworthy occasions kept here incorporated the passing on of Perlis and Setul (now Satun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May

1897 (both regions were isolated from Kedah since 1821) and a 90-day celebration from June to September 1904 to commend

the wedding of the five offspring of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Alor Setar became the ninth city in Malaysia on 21 December 2003. The announcement service to pronounce the Kedah's

capital city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. The people that were present at the memorable service were Sultan Tuanku

Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and his partner Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir

Apparent of Kedah State and his associate), individuals from the Kedah sovereignty, parliament individuals and state exco

individuals. The function was likewise seen by regular people and tourist.

52

Figure 2.67 : Picture shown was Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah

2.5.4 CULTURE

Kedah, which is a multi-racial state filled with races like the Malays, Chinese, Indians and Thais, Kedah is actually multi-

social. In spite of the fact that Islam is the national religion, opportunity of love is ensured. Bahasa Malaysia is the national

dialect. However English is generally spoken.The social assorted qualities of Kedah is best reflected in its convention, the

moment points of interest of engineering and way of life. Among the neighborhood conventional tunes and moves which

are intelligent of everyday lives of the ordinary citizens are Tarian Cinta Sayang, Lagu-lagu Berendoi, Wayang Kulit, and so

forth. Likewise, the Silat, which is a type of customary Malay self-protection, is additionally prominent in Kedah. It comes in

different structures and typically performed at different events, for example, weddings and functions.The best beginning

stage to investigate the social legacy of Kedah is Alor Setar itself, the state's capital. The various fine, old structures, for

example, Balai Besar, Balai Seni Negeri, Masjid Zahir, Courthouse, and General Post Office characterized the climate of

provincial administer and speaking to one of the most seasoned historic points of Alor Setar. An understanding into

Kedah's rich social legacy can be examined by going by the State's Museum. The gallery houses an accumulation of

ancient rarities, fine canvases and an extensive variety of verifiable relics. Being the most seasoned state, Kedah has a lot

of these huge, valuable collectibles in plain view. The apparatuses under the Rumah Sungai Ular Kulim house was a few

devices that was utilized in those days. For moment, there was the pengapit santan, pengapit tebu and so forth. It used to

be a show for open, to mirror the way of life of the general population in those days. The design of the house is the

standard format for larger part of the conventional Malay house. A lounge room in front, enters the rooms, and after that

the kitchen. The room, individuals from the past used to utilize material to go about as the allotments to separate spaces.

53

Figure 2.68 : Picture shown is Tradtional Silat

2.5.5 ARCHITECTURE

Rumah Kedah, it is privately known as Rumah Bumbung Panjang or the Long Roof House which mirrors the character of

the customary Malay rooftop shape. Apart from the Rumah Bumbung Limas, Bumbung Lima and Bumbung Perak, The

Rumah Panjang are the most seasoned to be recognized in Malaysia Penisula. It is the most straightforward of four specific

house frames.

One of the main characteristics of Rumah Kedah is the

archiculation and ornamentation of the building. Most decoration

focus on openings such as windows rails(Jerejak),

ventilations(Kerawang), roof eaves(Meleh) and rafter

boards(Papan Cantik).

It is built on stilts like most Malay House, however the main floor

is raised higher above ground than other Malay House. This is

purposely designed based on the environmental factors in Kedah,

which is having paddy fields in the surrounding.

Figure 2.69 : Ornament of Traditional Malay House. (pinterest,

2017)

Figure 2.70 : Common Malay House in Kedah. (ilusidanfantasi, 2017)

54

The most commmon roofing material used for the

bumbung panjang is the attap( a thatch made from

Nipah and other palm trees found in the local natural

vegetation).

Simple gable roof supported by king posts used by traditional Malay

house.

Figure 2.71 : Picture shown traditional Malay House

roofing. (aldeeny, 2017)

Figure 2.72 : Picture shown traditional support construction of roof. (prezi, 2017)

55

3.1 SITE CONTEXT

Located at the capital of Kedah, Alor Setar,

the Kedah House and Surau is one of the

historical building in the bustling city. It

shares the same site compound as Kedah

State Museum, sitting by the bank of Kedah

River. They are facing towards the Darul

Aman Highway and surrounded by suburbs.

(Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1 Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site

is facing to Darul Aiman Highway, sitting by the banks

of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

57

Legend :

1.Wat Siam Bakar Bata

2.Persatuan Leong Say

Tong

3.Suburban area

4.MBAS Swimming Pool

Complex

5.Stadium Darul Aman

Figure 3.2 Aerial view of the site surrounding. The site is facing to Darul Aiman Highway,

sitting by the banks of Kedah River. (GoogleMap, 2017)

58

1

2

3

5

4

3.1.1 Surrounding Buildings

Darul Aman Stadium

An all-seater and a multi-purpose stadium established in 1962 and opened officially by the Sultan of Kedah during

Malaya winning 1-0 against South Korea. After the expansion in 1997, it has a capacity of 40,000 seats. As the

largest stadium in the state, it is currently used mostly for football matches. It was one of the venues for the 1997

FIFA World Youth Championship as well as the official stadium for Malaysian Super League's club Kedah FA.

Figure 3.3 (Top) The aerial view of the

stadium. (Google, 2017)

59

Figure 3.4 (Below) Entrance view of

the stadium.(Google, 2017)

Persatuan Leong Say Tong

Sitting just right behind of the Kedah house, Persatuan Leong Say Tong is a Chinese association in Kedah. Back in the

days before independence, the Chinese organisation was established in order to unite China immigrants in Malaysia.

The purpose was to help out each other economically. The power of the association became stronger and till now it still

exists in every corner of the country. The association are divided by the Chinese surnames, it was said that the

surnames came from different regions of China. While Leong Say (陇西 in Chinese) is the source for the surname

Dong, Lee and Pang.

Figure 3.5 The elevation of Leong Say Tong. (Google , 2017)

60

Wat Samosornrajanukpradit

(Thai: วดัสโมสรราชานุประดษิฐ)์

A Thai Buddhist temple located in the Alor Setar suburb

of Bakar Bata, often just known as Wat Siam Bakar Bata.

It is one of the influence of Thai. Kedah have ever been one of

the tributary states of Siam until 1909, when Anglo-Siamese

Treaty of 1909 was signed and ceded the states of Kedah,

Kelantan, and Terengganu to Great Britain while Pattani

remained in Siamese hands. The treaty has defined the border

between British and Siamese territories and ultimately became

today's border between Malaysia and Thailand. The influence

of Thai left well with the name of the places and the traditional

entertainments, including this Thai Buddhist temple.

Figure 3.6 : The entrance view of the

temple. (GoogleMap, 2017)

Figure 3.7 : Interior of the temple.

(GoogleMap, 2017)

61

A public swimming pool that serves as training

center during weekdays. The depth of the

swimming pool is suitable for kids and the

entrance fee is very affordable with RM3 charges

for adults during weekend. Therefore it is a

popular destination for local families during

weekends.

MBAS Swimming Pool Complex

Figure 3.8 : MBAS Swimming Pool (Google , 2017)

62

3.1.2 Buildings In Site Compound

Built in 1936 then relocated to its present site at Bakar Bata, near the banks of Kedah River in 1964. The present

museum complex was completed in 1977 at a cost of RM8 million. The state museum is the centre of knowledge about

Kedah with a large collection of Kedah's historical, culture, and royal heritages. The collection includes early Chinese

porcelain, artifacts from the archaeological excavations in Bujang Valley and a 'gold tree', a gold sculpture of a small

tree given annually by the early Kedah Sultanate to Siam as a tribute. It is a good place to learn Kedah’s history, dating

back from the glorious Bujang Valley civilization between third century and twelfth century to the recent British colonial

days.

Kedah State Museum

Figure 3.9 : Kedah State Museum is a 3 storey high

building. (Google , 2017)

63

One of the branches of the Malaysian Historical Society,

a non-government organisation established officially at

1953, aimed to preserve the historical documents and

records as well as promote local history and culture. The

headquarter is located at Kuala Lumpur, with branches in

every states of the country. The organisation also

published journals and articles about historical studies, in

order to educate the younger generations about the

interesting history of Malaysia. To initiate the interest of

the citizen in understanding Malaysia history, seminars

and exhibitions are held annually and open to public.

Competitions are also organised to encourage students

to study history from young age. Figure 3.10 : Front facade of PSMCK

(GoogleMap, 2017)

Persatuan Sejarah Malaysia Cawangan Kedah

(PSMCK)

64

The compound of the house is heavily shaded with trees and covered with vegetation. This sets the house in a cooler

environment. The setting of traditional Malay house that close to nature and surrounded by greenery absorbs lots of

daylights, thus lessen the effect of glare.

3.1.3 Landscape

Plants

Figure 3.11: Palm trees behind Kedah house.

(Google, 2017)

65

Food is the most important elements in associating the

relationship between plants and also mankind.

Therefore, the cultivation of plants in Malay community is

generally more focused on food necessity.

Among the plants/ crops species that could be seen are

the example of plantation of Garcinia mangostana

(mangosteen), Musa spp. (banana), Cocos nucifera

(coconut), Artocarpus integer (cempedak/ jackfruit),

Artocarpus heteropyllus Lam (nangka/ jackfruit),

Mangifera spp. (mango) and many more.

Figure 3.12 : Mango tree at the site

compound. (Ng, 2017)

66

Figure 3.14 : Banana trees beside the Kedah

house. (Ng, 2017)

For every house, the plantation of trees that are food

source become a vital necessity by considering Malay

community culture that rarely buy the basic ingredients for

the kitchen needs. Most of menus of Malays use raw

materials in their surrounding area

Figure 3.13 : Banana trees beside the Kedah house.

(Ng, 2017)

67

3.2 Orientation of the Building

3.2.1 Malay Houses in Kampong

According to The Encyclopedia of Malaysia

Architecture (1998), kampongs have been described

as several cluster Malay houses with its compound.

There is never a clear boundary within the

houses.Some settlers use a coconut trunk to

mark their boundaries whereas others use a

small stream to identify the boundaries of the lot. This

allows the villagers to roam around freely and partake

in social interactions between each other. The

compounds have a path that link between houses, for

example, roads lead from house to

public facilities such as a mosque, school, cemetery,

shops and workplaces such as paddy fields, boat jetty

and orchards.

Figure 3.15 : Kampong’s orientation.(Google,

2017)

68

Typically, houses in kampongs are arranged organically. The usage of the term “organic” being unplanned,

natural, absence of clear polars and the exclusion of professional intervention. Normally, residents select the house

location based on traditional beliefs. They used to and perhaps are still dependant on local carpenters and shamans in

choosing the most optimal location for their residence. After the kampongs are developed into a substantial settlement,

only then are modern infrastructures, facilities, and utilities are implemented. Soon, these Infrastructures and services

determine the location of the houses.

Figure 3.16 : Kampong’s organic layout.

(Google, 2017)

69

In kampongs, it was very conducive for doing communal activities within the settlement because of the open

atmosphere, random layout and the lack of physical barriers. As such, this helps improve upon the concept of sharing,

caring and cooperation among the kampong’s community.

Figure 3.17 : An example of a kampong communal activity being held.

(Google, 2017)

70

Al-Ahmadi once stated, that in order to place things in the Malay environments,orientation is one of the most

important elements. Most traditional Malay houses found in kampongs are oriented to face the Qibla, which is facing

West-Northwest. Syed Iskandar Ariffin found that, most traditional Malay house frontages were also oriented towards the

main point of access to the site like footpath, pathway, track and road even if they need to abandon north-south

orientation, the ideal orientation.

Figure 3.18 : Aerial view of the Qa’bah

(Google, 2017) Figure 3.19 : Location of Mecca (Google, 2017)

3.2.2 Orientation in relation to religious factor

71

As such, Qibla orientation is not taken as a deciding factor compared to the orientation of the main door.

However, this does not apply to mosques and suraus in the area due to the this particular necessity to face Mecca

being extremely crucial. Apart from that, kampong houses do not face the back of another house directly.

Figure 3.20 : Surau in Kampong.

(Google, 2017)

Figure 3.21 : Surau Haji Abdul Rahman. (Quinn,

2017)

72

The buildings on site are facing to the southeast with the main entrance facing towards the wide parking

lot. The parking lot was initially a field with trees before it was covered with tar. Both of the houses have their back

facing to the Qibla. As Surau is a religious place, it is easier for the masses to arrange themselves for prayers if one

part of the Surau is facing to the Qibla. The house is arranged parallel to the Surau, mainly for aesthetic purpose. They

are both linked by a semicircle pathway arching out from both of their entrances to ease the access between two

buildings.

Figure 3.23 : View of the buildings from parking

lot (Quinn, 2017)

3.2.3 Building Site Orientation

Figure 3.22 : Aerial View of the site (Google

map, 2017)

73

3.3 Design Concept

Vernacular houses are usually designed with a deep understanding and respect for nature. A vast knowledge of

nature’s ways and the ecological balance was present in most traditional societies as the villagers had to rely on the

surrounding nature for most of their resources. Their food, medicine, and building and household materials were

obtained directly from the natural environment. The natural approach found in our Malay house is reflected in the

climatic design of the house.

Figure 3.24 : Pureness of Materials

( Quinn, 2017 )Figure 3.25 : Vernacular Architecture

( Quinn, 2017 )

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To achieve thermal comfort, a traditional vernacular Malay house usually has to :

(a) allow adequate ventilation for cooling

(b) use low capacity building materials so that little heat is transmitted into the house

(c)control direct solar radition

(d) control glare from the surrounding environment

(e) provide shelter to the inhabitants against rain

(f) ensure adequate natural vegetation in the surroundings to provide temperature cooling

Figure 3.26 : Thermal Diagram. ( Google, 2017 )

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The thatched house roof with large overhangs effectively controls solar radiation. The large overhangs provide good

shelter from the sun and rainfall. It also allows the windows to be left open most of the time for ventilation, even during

storms as the rain would not enter the house.

Figure 3.27 : Roof Details on Sheltering.( Iddin, 2017 )

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For example, there are many gaps in the building located in its windows, ventilation grilles and panels; and its open interior

with minimum partition allow easy flow of air and a much cooler inside atmosphere.

As for heat management, both structures are made of wood and leaves for the roof. Their interiors are also very spacious,

with little dividers in between them. Both of them also have carved floral decorations on top of the structure to help control

the light flow in the house and aid in providing proper ventilation throughout the house.

Figure 3.30 : Ventilation on the Window (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 3.29: Ventilation Ornamental Gaps

(Google map, 2017)

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There is an abundance of windows found in the Malay house and since the body level is the most vital area for

ventilation, fully openable windows are often used. Not only that, the carved wooden panels and grilles found

throughout the house are also effective ventilation devices. The roof of the house is also designed in such a way that

it is used to direct and trap air to ventilate the roof space.

Another creative use of effective ventilation device is the use of patah in the roof. The vegetation planted around the

houses are also designed in such a way that there is an optimal wind flow to the house.

Figure 3.28 : Air Circulation through the

house (Google, 2017)

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Furthermore, the compound of the house is also often

covered with vegetation. This sets the house in a cooler

environment, as the trees and vegetation are not absorbing

and storing heat from solar radiation and releasing it into the

environment. Glare is controlled in these houses by

excluding open skies and bright areas from the visual field.

The large overhangs help cover windows to reduce glare

from the open skies. It can be observed that the traditional

Malay house uses mainly ventilation and solar radiation

control devices to provide climatic comfort for the house.

Figure 3.31 : Ventilation Ornament 1 (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 3.32 : Ventilation Ornament 2 (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 3.33 : Ventilation Ornament 3 (Quinn, 2017)

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The Malay house is often divided into areas, rather than rooms, for various social and household activities. The design

of the house has also been dictated by the social mores of the Malays, such as the provision of a private space for the

womenfolk and a public space for the entertaining of male guests, because the Malay house is always considered a

unit of a larger community in the village.

3.4 Spatial Organisation & Spatial Experience

Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017)

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Figure 3.34 : Example floor plan of Malay house from Negeri Sembilan (Google, 2017)

Basically, the traditional Malay house can be divided into

three main areas, the ‘serambi’ (verandah), ‘rumah ibu’

(main house) and ‘dapur’ (kitchen). To separate the area,

one slight floor level changes or doorways is made between

the areas. Besides the three main areas, some of the

houses have ‘anjung’ and ‘selang’. The anjung is a covered

porch used as a relax area for family members or guest

while selang is a passageway that links the main house to

the kitchen and provides an effective firebreak between the

areas in the house.

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1

2

3

As it can be seen on the right side, There are 5

spaces divided according to its user activities inside

and it got its own names. It also gives different

feelings and ambiences in different rooms.

1. Anjung

2. Serambi Gantung

3. Rumah Ibu (Serambi Samanik)

4. Dapur (Rumah Tengah)

4

Figure 3.35 Floor plan of Kedah traditional house.

(Measured Drawing Team Kedah Traditional

House, 2017)

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Traditional Malay houses have at least two entrance by

steps, the main entrance at the front for visitors and

males and the one at the back mostly for women and

children.

At the entrance, stairs lead up to a covered porch called

the anjung. The porch acts as a good transition space

between the public and the private domains. The anjung

also acts as an important focal point for the entrance.

Unfamiliar visitors and guests are entertained here. It is

also a favourite place for the house occupants to rest,

chat and watch the goings-on and passers-by in the

village. It brings the harmonious and peaceful ambiance

as the user entering the house and enable the cross

ventilation since it is half open wall.Figure 3.36 : Stairs leading up to the

anjung. (Ng, 2017)

Entrance

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From the entrance porch, one enters into the serambi gantung.This is the place where most guests are entertained.

The windows in serambi gantung are low, allowing good ventilation and view to the exterior.

Through this space user can experience the harmonious and togetherness between users (family, friends, and

relatives). There are a lot of openings that provide enough light penetration within the space. There is also additional

lamps inside the room to maximise the needs of light. It also gives a relaxing ambiance with the help of good

ventilation.

Figure 3.37 : Serambi Gantung. (Quinn, 2017)

Serambi Gantung (Hanging Verandah)

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Serambi Samanaik

Serambi Samanaik is the connection between rumah ibu and the kitchen. This is the place where the user sleep and

rest during the night.

Usually the users gather to do meetings, praying here. It is also a sleeping space for adults.The space has lesser

windows and openings compared to other spaces in the house, giving a spiritual and calm ambiance. The dim lighting in

the room are achieved by decreasing amount of openings. As the ceiling are higher than the wall partitions, it gives an

open feeling to the user, so that one does not feel suffocating in the dim and enclosed space.

Figure 3.38 : The dim lighting in the room are achieved

by lesser window and openings. (Iddin, 2017)

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The kitchen is always situated at the back of the house, and is on the lowest floor level. Activities that are done here

including the preparation of food, cooking, eating and washing. The womenfolk also often group here to chat.

It is the most spacious space in the house, with natural lights come in through every sides of the wall (it looks enclosed

due to broken windows that we could not open). It gives an enjoyable and comfortable atmosphere for cooking activities

and group conversations.

Dapur (Kitchen)

Figure 3.40 : Cooking utensil. (Iddin, 2017)Figure 3.39 : Kitchen (Iddin,2017)

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3.5 Design Features

The building emphasised on its roof and stilts of the foundation, both buildings are built above ground of a higher level.

The highlight feature is the decorations and ornaments in the building that reflected the way of traditional living and

Malay culture. This includes the carvings that can be seen exterior as well as the arrangement of furnitures interior.

3.5.1 Kedah Traditional House

The exterior of Kedah Traditional house are unique with the blend of nature materials, the placing of the wood planks

wall, the framework of the joints and also the framework for windows and openings. It shows the pureness of material

usage and design concept from the local builders.

Figure 3.41 : East Side of the house

(Quinn, 2017)

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East Side

The front side of the house is the east side from the compass, it exhibits mostly all main features of the house.

Transom Windows that allow the air to circulate between inside and outside space, The ornamental gable roof with

traditional decoration, raised floor by using high foundation, short height staircase that leads to the anjung part of

the house.

Figure 3.42 : East Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

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West Side

The back side of the house is the west side by compass, consisting portable or moveable pelantar (for washing and

drying clothes) behind the kitchen space (dapur). The facade also included with horizontal arranged repetitive wood

planks, timber door, and an additional space as it can be seen at the extended attap roof at the left side

Figure 3.43 : West Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

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South Side

The Anjung space of the house placed at the South side of the house, It shows the overall spaces and rooms that

belong to the house. It shows the Anjung’s half open wall, repetitive timber planks wall placement, Transom windows,

and different height of flooring and roofing.

Figure 3.44 : South Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

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North Side

The North side of the house mostly shows the high level of raised flooring, and it shows the extended views of the

overall length of the house. As it can be seen below exhibit the longest room of the house, and repetitive wall to add.

Figure 3.45 : North Side of the house (Iddin, 2017)

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Part of the attap roof was well decorated with an authentic craft from the locals, which showed repetition and

patterns bringing the sense of a whole or unify different parts of patterns.

Exterior Details

Figure 3.46 : Gable Screen ornament (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.47 : Roof Ornamental Detail (Quinn, 2017)

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Foundation

This is part of the foundation of Kedah Traditional House, which functions as house support to enable the house to

rise up higher, avoiding dangerous animals and enabling a cooler interior by cross ventilation through beneath the

floor.

Figure 3.48 : Foundation of the House

(Quinn, 2017)

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Wall

Exterior wall with repetition placement of wood panels, which is also part of the interior walls, brings both same

experiences of harmonious and visually pleasing. Which includes the window frame that disguises as part of the

exterior wall. Even though it looks neat and similar, but in actual it is different in sizes.

Figure 3.49 : Horizontal Wall (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.50 : Timber Wall Placing

(Iddin, 2017)

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Windows

A part of the exterior of the house. Functioning to circulate the air and also exposing the interior spaces. In this Kedah

Traditional house, it also functions as part of the ventilation even though it is closed which it enables the air to circulate

throughout the house.

Figure 3.51 : Windows at Traditional

House (Iddin, 2017)

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Staircase

The house also has a staircase which leads to the “Anjung” area, it helps the user to reach the enclosed space. It

completes the house feature since it is one of the main exterior part that enables the user to enter the house.

Figure 3.52 : Staircase from South Side of the House

(Iddin, 2017)

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Interior Spaces

A place for the users to obtain comfort and be secure. For the traditional Kedah house, the interior is the most vital

area for ventilation because the house adpoted an open plan concept, providing good ventilation and shading

purposes for the user. It gives a flexible option for users to experience a fully open space or fully enclosed spaces by

using the openings elements in the house.

Figure 3.53 : Bedroom Space and ambience

(Quinn, 2017)

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It is contradicted by the statement mentioned before about

spaces being free. It is flexible, depedant on the owners

needs, as it has many openings such as the windows, that

has swing doors. (Transom type windows).

Figure 3.54 : Transom Window

Details(Quinn, 2017)

The interior of the traditional Malay house is commonly dim

and under lit (if it is fully enclosed), giving a cool feeling and

in a comfortable state to the users despite the hot weather.

Besides, carving is a glare breaker and light controller in

the house.

Figure 3.55 : The wall lights in the house.

(Quinn, 2017)

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The furniture arrangement also follows the function of the rooms and spaces. Usually made by the locals so it is all

purely handmade and authentic, done by the locals. A commonly used wood material (Kayu Jati) and also other

natural materials that can be found from the surroundings. It is carefully crafted by the locals to show it's texture and

the colors that blends with the room color palette, giving it a harmony space.

Figure 3.56 : Examples of Furniture inside the house

(Iddin, 2017)

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Islamic Culture

From the Islamic view, Surau and Kedah house are

defined as the safe shelters and private sanctuaries, best

places to enjoy tranquillity because of its pureness

tradition, by its function and design, it gives seclusion of

female privacy (highly upheld by muslims) and individual

rights that are free from any intrusion of privacy in life. A

mosque plan are all closed for its privacy.

Figure 3.57 : Example of Mosque

Plan (Google, 2017)

The concept of privacy in Islam is embraced in the

spaces they create. It is a segregation between male

and female, segregation spaces between privacy

lives and public interactions to protect the security of

a family member.

Figure 3.58 : Muslim Daily Life Diagram (Google,

2017)

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3.5.2 Surau

Surau's exterior is similar like the Kedah traditional house, the elements including doors, windows, staircase, attap roof,

exterior wall using timber planks, foundation wall and stumps. Mostly same like Kedah Traditional House which exhibits the

pureness of material usage and local design concept.

East Side

East Side of the Surau is also the front side, which shows the main staircase, windows, vertical repetitive wood planks wall,

and also building’s columns from all sides. It also shows the wudhu area where people (especially muslims) wash their face,

hands, and feet before do the prayer inside the building. The surau displays the horizontal view of the gable roof.

Figure 3.59 : East Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

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West Side

The West side of the building shows the back side of

the surau, It displays the extended space at the back of

the building. Also showing the gable roof which was

invisible from the front side of the house. It also shows

the appearance of cross planning due the extended

wings spaces at the both sides.

Figure 3.60 : West Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

South side of the house mainly exhibits the transom

windows that displays the ventilation features of the house.

It shows the simplicity of the house design and the

extended roof at the front side, with the roof support

structure that is visible from the human perspective. It also

preserves the “beduk” which can be found under the

surau.

Figure 3.61 : South Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

South Side

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North Side

Below is the north side of the house which also has another staircase that leads to another room in the building. All the

concrete below the staircase and columns functioned to prevent from the termites. Mostly shows the same features as

the south side of the house, including door, transom windows and ventilation.

Figure 3.62 : North Side of Surau (Iddin,2017)

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Carving at the openings and wall panel at the traditional Malay house also acts as shading devices in controlling and

filtering the undesirable effects. The illumination level of interior space is significant as having sufficient amount to

complete the task required should be satisfactory or else excessive amount can be wasteful and consume more energy.

The use of carvings at the opening break up large bright areas into narrow light holes, yet permit enough light to the

interiors.

Figure 3.63 : Ventilation Carving detail (Quinn,2017)

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For Surau, It was a spacious space where there are a lot of lights penetrate through the ‘open-ceiling’ and through

every holes, ventilation is possible through the openable windows. It gives a spiritual and free atmosphere, where

people can freely come in and do prayers, it also gives a calm ambience through its openness where people could

hear the wind blows and birds chirping.

Figure 3.64 : Surau Interior Details (Quinn, 2017)

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3.6.1 Ornaments

Figure 3.65 : Floral carvings on the staircase. (Quinn, 2017)

The motifs of flora are considered as the most prominent and recurrent decorative patterns found in Malay

woodcarvings. The study found that floral motifs of specific plants with its elements including flowers, flower buds,

leaves, tendrils, fruits, and shoots were the most popular design pattern employed in the carvings of Malay houses.

They were arranged to form one complete carving with a certain degree of complexity and intricacy.

3.6 Ornamentations and Details

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Windows and doors are the main elements for ventilation at

body level. There are many full length openable windows and

doors at body level in Malay house to allow cross ventilation.

The door consists of two boards that usually open inwards;

only rarely do doors open outwards. In some houses there are

sliding doors. Such doors are still seen in some kutai houses

in Perak. The doors of traditional houses usually had bolts or

crossbars, but the modern limas houses have locks or

padlocks.

1. Doors

Figure 3.66 Door Knob in Surau (Quinn, 2017)

Traditional Malay houses usually have three doors:

I. the front door, located in the front verandah or porch;

II. the passage door, located in the passage or at the part

where the main house and the passage meet;

III. the back door, located behind the kitchen.

In addition to the doors that lead out of the house, there are

also doors within the house, such as the room doors,

verandah doors, and doors that separate areas in the main

house from the passage and the kitchen. Figure 3.67 : Openings in the living area of the

Surau. (Quinn, 2017)

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2. Windows

The design of windows in traditional Malay house

has different opening sizes and flexibility to

adjust with the changing of microclimate,

specifically daylight intensity and distribution.

Daylight distribution is not uniform and always

moving due to the dense cloud cover .

Most of the windows are latticed. The windows

consist of two shutters that open outwards

(Figure 3.68 ). There are some instances where

the shutters of the windows extend to the floor

and part of the opening is latticed. There are also

window openings that are not latticed. Like the

doors, the windows have wooden frames known

as the uprights or pedestals.The uprights are

joined by fillets, as decoration for the walls.

Figure 3.68 : Double casement window in Kedah

House. (Quinn, 2017)

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3. Roof

Depending on types of traditional Malay house, some appear to have intricate woodcarvings such as tebar

layar, which allows air passage through the roof area.

Figure 3.69 : Tebar layar on the roof. (Iddin,2017) Figure 3.70 : The ornaments on the roof.

(Iddin,2017)

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The use of the sunbeam motif on the gable screens of

the traditional houses symbolizes the beginning and

the end of the day.

Figure 3.71: The sunbeam motif on the gable

screen. (Quinn, 2017)

Motif of a specific plant with its various elements

represents the natural growth and movement of life

in living plant. This suggests a manifestation of

craftsman’s perception of the beauty in nature into

the art form. Several types of plants such as

ketumbit, ketam guri, bayam pereaksi (all are weeds

grown in house yards) and kekacang (climbing

legume) are generally represented as focal objects

in the carving composition.Figure 3.72 : Floral carvings at the wall panel. (Quinn,

2017)

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Other than these, there are also decorative elements, specifically designed to allow air passage into the interior part of

the house. It depicts the ventilation approaches from openings as well as other design element in order to achieve

thermal comfort.

For example, cut out carvings are normally used on gables, timber panel above doors or windows, and wind holes at

higher level of partition, in order to provide good ventilation and airy spaces.

It is worth noticing that the decorations are not merely objects of beauty, but also as mean to create an environment of

peace and tranquility.

Figure 3.74 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.75 : Window’s Ventilation (Iddin, 2017)

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The traditional craftsmen used two methods of floral motif depiction:

(1) close imitation of natural plants from immediate surroundings, and

(2) transformation of the plant motifs that barely resemble their real-life image.

The woodcarvers have responded to the pristine beauty of a natural plant by preserving it in forms of woodcarving

with the best way whenever they can. The name for the floral motif was usually derived from the original plants.

However, some motifs are without name because its depiction is based on the woodcarvers’ imagination.

Figure 3.73 : Ventilation Carving on the wall (Quinn, 2017)

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Figure 3.76 : Deer head wall decoration in Kedah House.

(Ng, 2017)

3.6.2 Decoration

There is a deer head hanging at the wall, from the

interview, we know that it is for decoration purpose.

At the same time, it can be used to hang clothes

and songkok.

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3.7 Visual Experiences

From distance, these houses look merged with the surroundings (plants and trees) because of its usage of timber

material and simple form of construction. These examples of unique features, shows that the houses are not

possessed by the grandeur found in modern buildings designed by modern self-conscious designers but it reflects

other qualities lacking in the modern buildings - a clear expression of the way of life and culture of its users.

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The roof, which is large, dominates the low walls and the open stilted bottom of the house. The juxtaposition

(two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect) of the roofs with different sizes and at

different orientations creates an interesting visual form.

3.7.1 Roof Juxtaposition

Figure 3.77 : Surau’s Roof (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.78 : House’s Roof (Quinn, 2017)

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3.7.2 House Decoration

The house’s decoration also pleases the user’s or visitor’s eyes, it derived from local flowers and curved

shapes that shows Malay’s uniqueness and creativity for its crafts. It shows repetition and pattern by the

design of the decorations, that shows consistency and creates a visual interest through users eyes.

Figure 3.79 : Gable Screen Decoration (Quinn, 2017) Figure 3.80 : Ornamental Ventilation (Quinn, 2017)

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3.7.3 Light Penetration

Light can be included as one of the element of the house because due to light, it is possible to perceive different

atmospheres in the same environment. Light also constitutes an element of fundamental relevance and therefore it

plays a significant role in the architecture. The light comes in between the holes of the decoration ventilation, as it can

be seen besides. It creates order and rhythm and change the spatial effect that gives different atmosphere.

Figure 3.81 : Light Illusion in house (Quinn,2017) Figure 3.82 : Light Penetration details

(Quinn, 2017)

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The woodwork and framework shows its quality of the builder, how they actually built the building without using any

modern machine but relies on their creativity in using joints and trust for the wall, flooring, foundation, windows, doors,

and roofing. Its complexity (emphasized on the roof framework) of the framework also brings the sense of tall and high

ceiling (open ceiling) by merging it with the attap roof.

3.7.4 Woodwork & Framework

Figure 3.83 : Ceiling’s joist (Iddin, 2017) Figure 3.84 : Flooring’s Joist (Quinn, 2017)

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3.7.5 Vernacular Architecture

The dimension of Malay vernacular architecture with different spatial and physical qualities of its relate time

involves with the complementation of various cultural roots, offering a potential concepts to be called

contemporary vernacular architecture. a clear expression of the way of life and culture of its users. Shows its

pureness through the usage of material and shapes.

Figure 3.85 : Vernacular Architecture Details (Quinn, 2017)

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3.7.6 Landscape View

Different views can be seen through all openings inside the

house, and actually we can see it from the east, west,

north, and south side. Due to the openings from all sides of

the house, it serves a lot of views from different directions.

It also helps the user to be pre-cautious of its

surroundings, as an example if there is any dangerous

animals or disaster from a far.

Figure 3.86 : Surau Window’s view (Quinn, 2017)

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3.8 Comparison Analysis of the Malay House

Though the basic house form and construction

methods are similar, the malay house style,

particularly the design of the roof, vary from state

to state in Peninsular Malaysia. The Malay house

may be roughly divided into three types:

Malacca-Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan-Terengganu,

and Johor-Selangor-Perak.

This topic discusses the differences and

similarities of the features in Malay House from

east and west Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah,

Sarawak.

Figure 3.87 : The design of Malay House varies from

states to states in Peninsular Malaysia.

(Google, 2017)

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3.8.1 Roof

Various traditional and hybrid Malay house forms are classified mainly by their roof shapes. The basic house forms

are the bumbung panjang, bumbung lima, bumbung perak and bumbung limas.

Figure 3.88 : Indoor view of the roof. (Quinn, 2017)

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Locally known as Rumah Bumbung Panjang or the Long Roof House which characterised by the long gable roof. It is

the simplest and most common of the four mentioned house forms, with a kingpost supporting the structure. The

bumbung panjang houses are the oldest identified in Peninsular Malaysia, many of them being over a hundred years

old and still in good condition. The most common roofing material used for the bumbung panjang is the attap (a

thatch made from nipah and other palm trees found in the local natural vegetation).

3.8.2 Kedah House

The simple bumbung panjang roof-form is most efficient in its

ventilation properties. Its simple funnel shape, the use of

ventilation grilles at its gable ends (tebar layar) and the use of

ventilation joints allow good ventilation of the roof space which

cools the house effectively. The roof is simple and easy to

construct, and this partly explains the popularity of this house

form among the poorer villagers and those who build houses

themselves.Figure 3.89 : Typical Kedah Traditional House

(Google, 2017)

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3.8.3 Malaccan Style

The steep central trussed roof is very dominant and usually carries a livable attic space. The roof design further

distinguishes the influences in each locality, making it easier to recognised from a Pahang house and so forth.

The most distinctive feature is the gracefully curved profile of the Negeri Sembilan roof which originates from the

Sumatran Minangkabao style. Traces of Bugis influences are also to be found in some of the Johor houses.

Figure 3.90 : View of a Negeri Sembilan house type (Google, 2017)

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3.8.4 Perak House

The house is easily recognized by its graceful steep

roof. The characteristic change in pitch is very slight

and more often in the form of a gentle curved

surface.

Figure 3.91 : View of a Perak house type (Google, 2017)

Malay houses at east coast has a tiered roofs with

curved gable ends, a feature that is not found on

houses on the west coast. The roof is usually

covered with singhorra tiles, named after the town,

Songkhla where the tiles originate. Gently curved

peles (gabes ends) are fitted to the ends of the roof

overhangs, giving the houses a distinctive

appearance.Figure 3.92 : View of a Kelantan house type

(Google, 2017)

3.8.5 East Coast

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3.8.7 Malaccan Malay House

The court space, which is peculiar only to Malay houses in Malacca,

is an intimate and private interior open space in between the rumah

ibu and the dapur. This space is the wet core of the house where the

washing, drying and toilet areas are situated. It is often beautifully

decorated with flowers and plants, therefore it became the favourite

resting place for the users. Sometimes, informal guests, especially

ladies, are often entertained here.

3.8.6 Spatial Layout

In terms of spatial layout, though most of the Malay houses are

following the principal layout from the traditional ones, there are

modifications made in order to adequate the lifestyle of users in

different states of Malaysia.

Figure 3.93 : Example layout of Malay

house in Malacca (Google, 2017)

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Figure 3.94: Example layout of Perak Malay

House (Google, 2017)

3.8.8 Perak Malay House

Malay houses in Perak often has a zig-zag layout. The kitchen is in a separate structure, connecting rumah ibu with a

selang, a roofless platform. This house has a bedroom within the rumah ibu compound that is separated by a timber

partition. As shown in the figure, there is an area of gap-floor construction where timber planks are arranged with gaps

between them . Apart from the religious use(bathing the family’s deceased), this area allows air movement from

underneath the floor to the rumah ibu space.There are plenty of perimeter windows on the rumah ibu’s walls as well as

additional openings on the roof surfaces. This contradicts with the dapur that has only two small windows on its opposite

walls.

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4.1 INTRODUCTION

Malay traditional houses usually use local resources from the natural surrounding environment to build

their houses. The materials used in Malay traditional houses are usually those found locally in the jungles. Collecting

woods was one of the main career in the village. The basic building materials are usually timber or bamboo, in which

timber is usually used for the main structure while the bamboo is used for the walls and thatched roof. These

materials promote coolness in the house due to its low thermal capacity.

Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2 : Ancient people chop down trees and transport the tress to site from forest

(Noenkcahyana,2012)

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Using renewable natural materials including timber and bamboo, the dwellings are often built without the use

of metal including nails. Instead pre-cut holes and grooves are used to fit the timber elements into one another,

effectively making it a 'prefabricated house'.

Although nails had been invented and in later houses used minimally for non-structural elements (for

example, windows or panels), structural flexibility was a benefit which nailing inhibited. Without nails, a timber house

could be dismantled and reconstructed in a new location. Most of the ancient Malay peoples of South-East Asia

maintained a form of self-regenerating environmental culture.

Figure 4.3 & Figure 4.4 : These buildings were not using any nails for construction but now a days, it start corroesive ,

therefore people used nails to protect both of this meaningful buildings (Quinn,2017)

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In different social status, they even classify certain class of wood for their respective classes.

For example, :

Types of Wood Features of Wood

Bottom Sectors

(Orang Bawahan)

- Kayu Biasa Kayu Biasa can be defined as a soft

hardwood or a light hardwood. Examples of

Kayu Biasa are Ara, Bintagor, Podo and etc.

The trunk of these trees are lighter than

usual.

Priest

(Imam)

- Kayu Nyatu - Atap Rumbia / Nipah Kayu Nyatu is a type

of medium hardwood.

It usually grows in a

seasonal climate.

Atap Rumbia / Nipah

is a common

resource found and

used since the

ancient Malay era.

Noble

(Bangsawan)

- Chengal - Kayu Jati Kayu Jati is a type of

hardwood. Kayu Jati

typically grows in

tropical climate.

Chengal is also

known as a type od

hardwood. The trunk

of the tree is heavy

and dark coloured.

131

4.3 TRADITIONAL SYSTEM AND MEASUREMENTS

Measurement based on the human body (usually the hands and arms of the carpenters, but on some

occasions of the women of the house) are used also by the Malays. Human proportions and dimensions has been

traditionally a basis of measurement throughout these buildings . This was a result of human instinct to fulfill their

fundamental needs of buildings their own indigenous house for shelter and protection.

The longest unit of measurement in human body is ‘depa’ – the dimension between the tips of the fingers

of the horizontally outstrech arms often used to measure lengthy objects and wide spaces. The smallest unit is one

‘jari’ or the width of a finger. One ‘jari’ or more is often used to measure smaller elements.

Figure 4.7 & Figure 4.8 : The unit of measurements in Depa system

(Sastrabali,2016)

132

4.2 TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Simple tools that were used to chopped down trees from forest and Malay woodcarving consist of an

assortment of chisels, kapak , parang , hammers ,files and others . Some tools are self – made and some others can

be bought from stores. In recent times, the changes of technology expand and create new tools such as motorized

chainsaw and a drill called band saw are used to speed up the work of woodcarving. The band saw has a long , thin

blade welded into a loop and is an electric motor powers that blade around two large wheels that removes the

unwanted part of the panel before the actual carving work is done.

Figure 4.5 & Figure 4.6 : Ancient people used Kapak and Parang to chop down trees (Asalsilat,2015)

133

4.4 BUILDING MATERIALS - TIMBER

Timber is one of the dominant materials that had been used in Malay traditional houses and surau. In this Malay

traditional house and surau , they usually use kayu jati , chengal and jelutong to build the Malay traditional houses ,

because it can last for hundred of years , and is a good heat insulator that helps to keep the interior at optimum

temperatures. It is used in main structure such as posts and lintels , tie beams , girts and roof structure they nomarlly ,and

secondary structure such as , rafter ,floor joists , wall studs , window frames and door frames due to its high strength.

Timber floors ,walls ,staircase ,doors and windows also can frequently be found among this two traditional buildings. Apart

from that , timber is easy to work with as most of the ornaments and detailings are directly carved and shaped onto it.

Figure 4.9 & Figure 4.10 : Exterior façade view of traditional Malay house and surau (Iddin,2017)

134

POST AND LINTEL

The posts, called “tiang” ,which carry the weight of the roof directly to the ground, measure at least 12 centimetres

square. The crossbeams supporting the floor are mortised through the posts and secured by timber wedges, wile girts

and tie beams at the top of the posts hold the posts in position and form the base of the roof. Various types of joints

and connectors have been developed by Malay carpenters to allow the house to be built in stages , and also to allow it

to be dismantled and re-erected elsewhere.

Figure 4.11 : Exterior post and lintel (Quinn,2017)

135

WALL

The walls of the earliest Malay houses were formed by bamboo, woven into panels using traditional patterns and

reinforces with timber stuck . The floors were laid with strips of bamboo .More frequently, the wall and floorboards of

the Malay house are made of a moderately strong wood .The wallboards are arranged either vertically ,diagonally or

horizontally ,or in combination .On the external walls are rows of shuttered openings, made of solid timber panels or

timber louvres. Carved or latticed panels above and below the windows and doors allow air and light into the Malay

house.

Figure 4.12 : Exterior Wall (Iddin,2017)

136

ROOF STRUCTURE

The system of framing the roof skeleton has advantages. Within the basic construction system, all different lengths

can be spanned with equal sized members. The rafters may vary according to the depth of the building, but the size

of the building does not affect the stress on any member and consequently does not require separate dimensioning

for each structure.

Figure 4.13 : Interior roof structure (Quinn,2017)

137

STAIRCASE

The traditional Malay house require stairs to reach the elevated interior. Usually the stairs are connected to the land,

directly situated in front of the house to the “Serambi” (porch or verandah). Additional stairs might be found at the

back of the house. The stairs is be made of wood with beatiful ”ukiran” or brick structure covered with tiles.

Figure 4.14 : Beautiful Ornaments on staircase

(Iddin,2017)

Figure 4.15 : Exterior staircase

,Surau

(Iddin,2017)

138

JOISTS

Figure 4.16 : Pasak known as nail but is made of

wood .These technique ws used to interlock the

steps with the outer striger

(Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.17 : Detail showing junction of tie beam,

column and joist. The floor joist is jointed to the

column

(Quinn,2017)

139

ORNAMENTS (UKIRAN)

Figure 4.18 : Ornaments help these buildings improvement air ventilation and the beauty of the house

(Iddin,2017)

140

BEDUK

The beduk is made of a double-barreled drum with water buffalo leather on the sides. Normally beduk is made up

from tree trunk , pokok Nangka .It is is a round-shaped instrument that is elongated lengthwise, and is suspended

from a rack and played with a padded mallet. The role of the beduk in the Malay community especially in the

Malay Archipelago is non-musical.

Instead, it is an instrument for religious purposes especially in the mosques and surau . Normally the beduk is

used to signal prayer time.

Figure 4.19 & Figure 4.20 : Beduk that located at ground floor of the Malay traditional surau

(Iddin,2017)

141

Atap Rumbia was one of material that easily found in Malay traditional house for the ancient generation. Atap rumbia

need to change it between 10 to 15 years .While for the small cracking part , they just used a piece of atap rumbia to

replace it . Except daun rumbia, daun nipah also can bee use as atap nipah. The diffrences between atap rumbia and

atap nipah is atap rumbia will last longer than atap nipah. Atap rumbia can last 10 more years than atap nipah if they

install it with a correct way , so atap rumbia is very suitable for houses or gazebo ,who placed at outdoor.

Figure 4.24 : Interior look sof Atap Rumbia

(Quinn,2017)

Figure 4.25 : Exterior looks of Atap Rumbia

(Quinn,2017)

142

4.5 BUILDING MATERIALS - ATAP RUMBIA

Atap Rumbia is one of the types of atap ,which is a construction material that produced by leaves of pokok Rumbia .

Usually atap Rumbia consist from ‘tulang’ or known as ”bengkawan’ , that composed from pokok Buluh or kayu kecil that

are folded in Rumbia leaves to shape it like a ‘sayap’ and sew it using rattan or the surface of pokok Bemban to tighten it.

Each atap Rumbia is between 1.5 meter to 1.8 meter length , the leaf is folded with the same length as others leaves.The

reason for this ,is to increase the neatly and dignified shape of the roof . A professional roof maker can produce 80 to 90

atap rumbia a day. The task of a roof maker was very difficult because it requires great patience and good observation.

Figure 4.21 : Pokok

Bemban

(Alamendah.,2011)

Figure 4.23 : Pokok

Rumbia

(Learnmelanau,2011)

Figure 4.22 : Pokok

Buluh

(Warisanpetani,2016)

143

Atap Rumbia have other advantages such as it provides more cooling effect as it does not retain heat like the roof tiles.

Atap rumbia is able to last more than ten years compared to atap nipah, because atap nipah needs to be changed

every three to five years. Atap nipah leaves has to been soaked with some chemical subtancesin order to last for

another six to eight years. In addtion, it will be easier to arrange, because it is much softer and not easily to break.

Figure 4.26 : Worker ties all the daun Rumbia

together using Rotan.

(Fenditazkirah,2013)

Figure 4.27 : Daun Rumbia basks in the sun

(Amlubai-kerabat,2015)

144

4.6 BUILDING MATERIALS - IRON BAR

The iron was used significantly lesser extent compared to timber. This material is exclusively used for the iron bars that is

located at the interior side of the windows. This applies to both the house and surau. The most likely reason for this under

usage is because it does not fit with the construction methods of the Malays from the past, that focuses more on the

implementation of nature in both design and construction. The house used to be a place to exhibit the life of Malay culture in

Kedah, using the house as a representation of the cultural background and opened for the public. Thus, the iron bars were

added in as a safety measure to prevent children from being able to climb out from the windows and hurt themselves. These

bars were pre-fabricated and installed on-site afterwards. This was done a long time ago as ithas became rusty.

Figure 4.28 : Iron bar was setting on window frame (Iddin,2017)

145

4.7 BUILDING MATERIALS - CONCRETE

Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and gravel or other aggregate and water.This material can be found on exposed

foundation and bottom of the staircase. Concrete is easily formed to a wide variable of shapes and sizes. Although

concrete has high compression strength, it is weak in terms of tensile strength, therefore it is a brittle material. The lack in

tension strength made the steel required to be used in conjunction with the concrete for strengthening and reinforcing

purposes. The combination of the material, concrete and steel rebar are better known as “Reinforced Concrete'. The

advantages of using the reinforced concrete is it's great compressive and tension strength and better fire resistance than

steel.

Figure 4.29 : Exposed Foundation (Iddin,2017)

146

5.1 BASIC CONSTRUCTION OF TRADITIONAL MALAY HOUSE

Both the Traditional Sungai Ular House and the Surau Haji Abdul

Rahman Abdullah uses a complex jointing system which supports

on timber wedges to stay sturdy for its strength.The jointing system

is standardised and prefabricated so that it takes less time and effort

to assemble it on the spot. Furthermore, the parts can be easily

dismantled and reassembled elsewhere should there be a need to

move to another location to live.

These two buildings use traditional timber post and lintel structures

and has evolved a prefabricated building system which is flexible

and goes with the demands and needs of the users. The users can

opt to make extensions on the house according to the type of space

and function they need. In the construction, mortise and tenon, lap

and dovetail joints were used while the usage of wooden dowels

came before metal nails in the olden days to connect joints and

secure the columns.

This is the main feature of a Malay traditional house that makes it

unique.

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.1 : Basic Construction of Traditional

House (Yuan, 1987)

148

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Firstly, the construction of the house begins with the main house

called “rumah ibu”, followed by the entrance porch known as

“anjung”, veranda as “serambi” and the kitchen “rumah dapur”.

These are constructed suited according to the needs and

requirements of the owner’s family.

To start the construction of a basic Malay house,the first column,

known as “tiang seri” is placed and located in the middle of the

house. Meanwhile, other structural components like the timber

posts and girts are laid in their respective positions. After every

one of the posts and girts have been erected and supported, top

girts and king posts are then set up at both sides. The roof ridge

supported by king post is then placed, and next the roof

structures such as principal rafters, purlins and common rafters

are put up. Finally, the non-structural components are placed to

make the house an enclosed structure.Figure 5.2: The Setting up of a basic traditional

Malay House Form (Yuan,1967)

149

GALLERY

1. The villagers lifting a column that was

installed with the long beams.

2. Eight of the columns have been erected

along with the two long beams. The board

installed on the column is to resist or hold

the column from falling.

3. Workers installing the framework of the

house.

4. Hammering the frames together to make

it secure.

5. The processes of installing the Palm or

Nipah roofs for shade from the sun and

rain.

Figure 5.3 : Construction process of traditional Malay House (memori-

Kedah, 2017)

150

5.2 FOUNDATION / COLUMN CONSTRUCTION

INTRODUCTION

A column is the vertical structural component that is designed to support and

transmit compressive loads from the ceiling or roof slab and beam, including its

own weight to the foundation.Therefore, it is understood that if the column fails to

support the load, the entire structure shall collapse.

The type of foundation used in the Sungai Ular House and the Surau Haji Abdul

Rahman Abdullah is shallow foundation which more specifically is pad foundation.

Pad foundations are used to support an individual point load such as that due to a structural column. Using post and

lintel structures, the timber posts rest on concrete or stone footings. The column posts, called tiang, measure at least

12 cm square, carry the weight of the roof directly to the ground. The plinths or footings are made of concrete stumps

to prevent them from sinking into the ground.

Figure 5.4: Concrete Footing

and foundation of the two

traditional buildings

(Iddin,2017)

Figure 5.5: Placing of Column and Footing of Surau

Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.6: Placing of Column and Footing of Sungai

Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

151

Construction Process of Footing and Column (Pad Footing/ “Pelapik tiang”)

1. Square formwork is built using wood.

2. Reinforcement rebars are placed in erected formwork.

3. Concrete mixture is poured into the formwork and allowed to set

4. Footing formwork is removed after concrete is set, cured and hardened to

gain maximum strength.

5. A steel rod is also set into place in the middle of the stump to anchor the

timber column onto the footing.

Figure 5.7: Set up of Foundation formwork steps.(cgetechnology,2011)

Figure 5.8: Column

Construction detail with steel

rod connecting the footing

sketch (Dana, 2017)

152

5.3 TIMBER FLOOR SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION

The floor system used in the Traditional Kedah House

and Surau is constructed with a series of timber joists

supported by bearers which are suspended between 4.5

metres to 5.5metres above ground.The floor joists are

exposed to vertical stress of weight from the column posts

to the plinths(footings). The floorboards are of chengal

wood with thickness of 25mm to 35mm laid directly across

floor joists. The raised platform is beneficial and designed

for ventilation and shading in the hot and humid tropical

climate.

Figure 5.9: View upwards from lower ground of the

timber joist system with floorboards laid across the

joists (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.10: Exposed joists and beams seen from

below of Surau Haji Abdul Reahman Abdullah

(Quinn, 2017)

153

At the back of the kitchen in the traditional Kedah House

however, the “pelantar” or open platform was different

compared to the other timber boards of the two buildings. This

was probably an extension which the users sourced the easily

ready materials of round unpolished tree trunks from their

surroundings as they live near paddy fields and forests.

The round trunks are tied side by side with rattan and is

secured with two joists on the front and ends with nails. This

open platform was used as a place for washing clothes and

dishes.

Figure 5.11: Usage of round timber joists for

the open-air “pelantar”(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.12: Connection details of nails

for round timber joists (Quinn, 2017)

154

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Jointing and connections in the traditional buildings are

normally secured with the use of wooden dowels and

wedges in place of the metal nails that we use today.

These small wooden pegs allow the parts of the house

to be locked at their respective places, effectively

making it safe and stable for the users to step on or rest

below.

Figure 5.13: Usage of dowels to secure parts (Quinn,

2017)

Figure 5.14: Beam to Column Connection Detail with

wedges sketch (Dana, 2017)

155

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

-MORTISE & TENON JOINT

All joints in the timber flooring of the two traditional buildings

are connected using mortise and tenon joint made of wood.

This technique is also known as tongue-and-groove and

slotting method.

The beam is slotted into the column while the tenon locks into

the mortise. The joists are slotted perpendicularly on the

beam in rows on which the timber floorboards are laid across

as the flooring. As it is suspended above the ground, the

exposed joist and beam can be seen from the ground floor.

Figure 5.15: Basic Mortise and Tenon Joint

detail sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.16: Detail of Spacing of the joists

resting upon the beam.in the traditional Sungai

Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

156

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

-LAP JOINT

Moreover, another type of connection method they use to attach the parts together is by using lap joints. This is

made by overlapping two edges or or half-cut through the width of the timber to fasten them together.

Figure 5.17: Basic lap joint sketch

(Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.18: An example of the post and beam

being recessed to secure to one another (Dana,

2017)

157

5.4 WALL SYSTEM

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Since the structural frame carries most of the load, the wall panels are light and do not bear heavy structural weight. The

walls of the Surau and the traditional house are made of timber wall panels which rely on a standard framing system

according to the columns of the building. The construction of a timber framed wall is a clean, efficient and dry operation.

The timbers can be cut and assembled with simple hand or power operated tools and once the wall is raised into position

and fixed, it is ready to receive wall finishes(panels).

Figure 5.19: Construction detail of Wall system and

floor system (picrevise, 2017)

158

Besides that, the spacing of the poles or posts of the house and

surau are designed and planned carefully in terms of space and

structural requirements. This can be illustrated with the height of the

lower ground floor as it should be accessible by people and a semi-

protected space is created underneath for storage as well as

keeping domestic animals. The “tiang seri” of the surau and the

house are spaced between 3 to 4 metres apart and are able to

support the vertical loads and bearers while resisting force by the

wind.

Finally, the next step to complete the house is adding the wall

panels. The wooden planks are orientated differently according to

the space and framework of the building. Most of the planks are

placed vertically and sandwiched between the framework of the

house and surau. However, the “rumah dapur” in the traditional

Kedah House was nailed horizontally with feather edge

weatherboarding across the stud frame (as shown). The panels are

angled as such to prevent entry of rain and allow for good ventilation

through the gaps when cooking.

Figure 5.21: Side view of

weatherboards on exterior wall

(agung1501, 2014)

Figure 5.20: External wall view of

Sungai Ular House (Quinn, 2017)

159

5.5 ROOF (INTRODUCTION)

There are two types of roofs for these two buildings. The

Sungai Ular House consists of the basic pitched roof called

side gable roofs and also sports the dutch gable roof,

which is a hybrid of a hip and gable.On the other hand, the

Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Abdullah mainly has the

previously mentioned dutch gable roof that is placed on top

of another roof layer which is the hip roof type. Both of

these roofs have large roof eaves to be able to give proper

shading from sunlight or from the rain. For the surau roof,

they have additional support from the columns. As with all

types of wood found in this house, it is coated with a layer

of diesel oil to conserve the building in general.

Figure 5.22: Kedah House showing its roof structure

(Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.23: The surau with a close view of its roof

(Quinn,2017)

160

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

To begin the construction of the roof, the base of the roof must

first be built. This is done by placing girts (alang panjang) and tie

beams (alang pendek), which not only form the base of the

roof, but it also functions to strengthen the overall structure of

the roof.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.25: Queen post truss seen in the

surau (Qayyum,2017)

The next construction step would be the erection of the queen

posts (tunjuk langit), which is extended from the tie beam, that

functions to support the roof ridge (tulang bumbung). The queen

post is an alternative to the king post and is built in such a way

due to the nature of the roof for both buildings. The vertical

posts of the queen post is supported by the sloping sides of the

truss.

161

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

After the construction of these elements, the next step would be

the installation of the purlins (kasau lintan), which is supported

by the principal rafters of the queen post truss (kasau jantan).

The purlins along with the roof ridge boards act as links from one

queen post to another.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.26: A clear view of the layers

consisting of purlins, principal rafters and the

common rafters (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.27: Zoomed in view of the ties

betwwen the atap layers (Quinn,2017)

After the purlins, the common rafters, known as kasau atap are

then erected. They are positioned on top of the aforementioned

purlins, so that it is properly supported. After all of the previous

steps have been done, the atap roofing is finally added in. In this

case, the material of the atap is called atap Nipah/rumbai. The

atap roofing material is sewn in overlapping layers onto the

common rafters using rotan to complete the construction of the

roof of both buildings.

162

ADVANTAGE & DISADVANTAGE

Because the atap roofing has low thermal capacity, this makes it

a reliable heat insulator, meaning it does not readily allow the

passage of heat through it. Furthermore, the ventilated roof

space facilitates in the cooling of the house as a compensation

from the lack of electrical fans back in the pre-Independence era.

As previously mentioned, the house has large roof eaves so that

it can provide effective shading.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.28: A full view of the surau and its

roof system (Quinn,2017)

Figure 5.29: The material used for the atap of

both of the buildings (Quinn,2017)

Being an atap rumbai roof, the material will become less

effective against rainwater the more it gets exposed to it. This

will allow rainwater to seep through in the long term. Being made

from a natural material, the atap is also more vulnerable to fire

risk than conventional roof coverings.

ADVANTAGE

DISADVANTAGE

163

GALLERY

Figure 5.30 (Top left) :

Construction details on the lowest

layer roof, supported by the front

columns (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.31 (Top right) : The ridge

board of the roof, connects two

queen post truss along with the

purlins (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.32 (Bottom left) :

Additional detail highlighting the

rafters underneath the roof eaves

(Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.33 (Bottom right) :

Zoomed out view of the roof

details with an additional beam

(with ceiling fan) supporting the

structure (Qayyum,2017)

164

5.6 STAIRCASE (INTRODUCTION)

The staircase of the staircase is similar to the construction of other parts of the building in that it completely lacks the

usage of nails in its original construction. Although some parts of the building have adopted the use of nails in recent

times due to the introduction of new technology and construction methods, the staircases in particular remain mostly the

same with some minor changes. These changes are made largely because of conservation purposes and as a result it is

able to retain its natural condition. An element of crafting is present at one particular staircase in that floral elements are

carved into it to express nature.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.34: A perspective view of the

staircase at the surau (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.35: Woodcarved stairs found at the

verandah of the house (Jiyann,2017)

165

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

The staircase of both buildings have roughly the same method of construction. As mentioned before, the staircase, like

many parts of the building adopted the construction method of using timber joints to connect individual parts to become a

whole structure. This construction method was used mainly because of the lack of modern technologies and methods in

Malaysia in the past before the British came to this country.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.36: Unexploded Axonometric of

stairs at the surau (Measured Drawing

Team Kedah Traditional House,2017)

Figure 5.37: Exploded Axonometric of stairs

at the surau, highlighting which joints should

be connected (Measured Drawing Team

Kedah Traditional House,2017)

166

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

One interesting feature that is found on the staircases at the

surau is that it consists of concrete steps that is joined together

with the usual wooden steps. The reason for this to have been

the case is partly due to the shortage in amount of natural

resources compared to a few decades back. Also as mentioned

before, it may have been due to the influence of the British when

they came to Malaysia. It results in the

revolutionizing of construction.

Figure 5.24: Queen post truss (Google,2007)

Figure 5.38: A hybrid of concrete and wood

makes the staircase unique (Qayyum,2017)

Figure 5.39: The treenail (pasak) used to lock

the joints in place (Quinn,2017)

Both houses feature treenails (pasak) in its construction. A

treenail is essentialy a wooden nail that was used in place of the

conventional nails we use today, to retain its usage of natural

elements and inspiration from natural surroundings. Its function

for the staircase specifically is to safely secure and strengthen

the overall structure. Each of them are placed on top of the joints

at the side of the first, fourth and seventh wooden steps.

167

5.7 WINDOWS

INTRODUCTION

Non structural components such as windows and doors

come in almost last in the construction process. Yet, the

location of these openings are planned carefully and the

framework for these ceiling to floor openings are set

according to the function and needs of the room. For

example, the rumah ibu has the most windows aligning its

walls as it is the main room of the house to receive

guests. Much light and views are needed to reach the

maximum potential for this space.

The placement and size of the windows and doors played

a very important role in the traditional Sungai Ular Kedah

House and surau. There were many windows and

openings to function as the air filter and to ventilate clean

and cool air throughout the house. This is also to ensure

the the health and comfort of the occupants.

Figure 5.41: Main Floor Plan of Surau Haji Abdul

Rahman Abdullah sketch (Dana, 2017)

Figure 5.40: Main Floor Plan of Sungai Ular

House indicating the placement of windows and

doors sketch (Dana, 2017)

168

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

There are mainly two types of window on each of the buildings. One type is louvred window shutters which have

horizontal slats that are angled to admit light and air, but to keep out rain and direct sunshine. The angle of the horizontal

slats can be adjusted by using a wooden lever mechanism to control the amount of light and air coming in.

The second type and most common window type in the traditional Malay house is the double casement windows. These

windows are adorned with beautiful decorative carvings. Furthermore, the windows are hinged at the side and can swing

open at 180° at full length, allowing maximum access of sunlight and view.

Figure 5.42: Louvred

window shutters in

surau.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.43: Louvred

window Detail

Drawing (Measured

Drawing Team

Kedah Traditional

House ,2017)

Figure 5.44: Double casement

windows.(Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.45: Double

casement window

Detail Drawing

(Measured Drawing

Team Kedah

Traditional House

,2017)

169

5.8 DOORS

INTRODUCTION

Doors give entry and privacy to the occupants of the house. As such, in traditional Malay culture, there are different

doors placed in different parts of the house because entry of men and women are supposed to be separated.

One type of door found in the Sungai Ular house and surau is known as Double Hinged Door. This door can be found

as the main entrance for both of the buildings.

Another type of door found in the kitchen of the Sungai Ular House is known as a Sliding Door. The sliding door has a

slotting mechanism that allows the door to be opened fully by pushing towards the side. It can also be secured with a

lock on top. A wooden bar is placed in the middle to use as a door handle to slide open the door.

Figure 5.46: Double

hinged door (Quinn, 2017)

Figure 5.47: Double Hinged door detail

drawing (Measured Drawing Team

Kedah Traditional House, 2017)

Figure 5.48: Sliding Door detail drawing

(Measured Drawing Team Kedah

Traditional House, 2017)

170

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

The construction of the doors are of mortise and tenon joint. They are connected to the wooden frames using steel

hinges which allow them to swing at 90° to open and close. The doors swing open towards the inside and have a width

of 75cm to 80cm opening. Moreover, the frames of the doors are roughly 6cm wide on both sides and the thickness of

the door is 3cm to 5cm. The doors are prefabricated before being installed in the house.

Figure 5.49: Door frame

detail of the double hinged

door (Zulkifli,1999)

Figure 5.50: Mortise and tenon

joint detail (Zulkifl, 1999)

Figure 5.51: Mortise and tenon joint

detail of the door frame (Zulkifli,

1999)

171

6.1 TIMBER DEFECTS

Although the best of efforts have been made to conserve these two buildings,

it is naturally inevitable that some defects occured throughout its

conservation period. Examples of such defects include the defects in building

material. Since a majority of wood that was used for both buildings were from

its original construction, it is natural that they have undergone several

changes in durability and texture. These pieces of wood are not as strong as

it used to be years ago due to its old age. Most of the wood also contain

moulds on it which was also caused by its old age.

In terms of its appearance, a lot of these wood pieces contain cracks and

some chunks of wood have been peeled off from the original piece, resulting

in a less durable structure overall. Being materials that came from possibly

decades ago, the wood also has a noticeable loss in colour compared to

its more modern counterparts as it has faded over the years.

Figure 6.1: The moulds from one of the

pieces of wood under the floor boards

(Jiyann,2017)

Figure 6.2: Some of the appearance

defects of the wood used for both

buildings (Jiyann,2017)

173

6.2 COLUMN DEFECTS

Other building defects include the deterioration of some column on both the

buildings. This particular defect is usually caused by the attack of termites. It

could also be caused by its long period of usage (which could be decades at

this point) as all the columns retain the original pieces of wood they were

constructed with.

Another defect that was detected was on the woodcarving aspect located at

the house. What was observed what that several woodcavings in the house

appeared to be broken and began to fall apart. Some pieces that were

broken were able to be placed back at its original place by tying it up using

strings while some others are completely absent leaving gaps in between

carvings.

Figure 6.3: A zoomed in view of the

deterioration some of the columns

suffer (Quinn,2017)

Figure 6.4: Woodcarving defect

(Iddin,2017)

6.3 WOODCARVING DEFECTS

174

6.4 WINDOWS DEFECTS

Besides that, it was discovered that some of the windows on site were in a

very fragile state, although it seemed to be in normal condition. This was

only discovered when an attempt to open the window was done in order to

receive ventilation. It was probably because of this defect that some of the

windows were coiled to prevent it from being opened.

As for the interior defect, the windows are also guilty of having some

defects. One of them would be the iron bars that is placed before the

actual windows. Some of the iron bars were found to be in a rather rusty

condition. This was most likely caused by exposure to rainwater that seeps

through the atap roofing and this is combined by exposure to oxygen (air),

thus the rusting on the bars. Furthermore, some of the iron bars were

completely absent from its supposed position due to unknown reasons.

In addition some of its woodcarving patterns are also missing.

FIgure 6.5: View of the remains of one of

the broken windows (Dana,2017)

Figure 6.6: The rusting found on the iron

bars at the interior side of the window

(Qayyum,2017)

175

6.5 ROOF DEFECTS

Further exploration of the house and surau enabled us to identify more

defects such as the defect on the atap portion of the roof system. From

what we have observed, there is a considerably large hole in between

the ties of the atap. This defect on the roof will create problems in terms

of its efficiency as a place of shelter. Because water can still seep through

the atap even when it fully covers the house, the hole will only allow more

rainwater into the interior of the house and therefore it is not very safe

particularly if rainfall were to occur.

Besides those mentioned above, one of the staircases, specifically the

main entrance of the surau has one defect at the last tread of the stairs.

The tread seems slightly shakyand therefore it is not as reinforced as the

rest of the treads. This minor defect will become a major defect if left

unchecked as it can completely break down and can potentially harm

visitors.

Figure 6.7: The gaping hole found on the

atap (Quinn,2017)

6.6 STAIRCASE DEFECTS

176

7.1 GROUP DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

REFLECTION

Throughout this assignment, we were able to experience and develop ourselves in many aspects. To have a chance to

get hands-on experience to document a building has been quite a unique experience for us. The lessons learnt from the

process of documentation and measuring will be precious to us in future fieldworks. Furthermore, the intensiveness of

this assignment demands that we hone our skills in workload and time management which is not possible without good

teamwork. For example, having meetings and discussions to overcome obstacles and limitations one after another as a

team has been quite a hectic experience.

From the measuring process, we were able to learn of the most efficient methods of measuring by separating workloads

and planning our time well. During the drawing process, we were met with limitations of the inexperience to use

software programs of some members. Through guidance and experimentation, everyone was able to further develop

their drawings skills. Through the report, we ensured proper planning by having good communication and teamwork

with each other. Lastly, the model making process has been a very memorable experience as it requires absolute

attention to detail.

Finally, the ultimate lesson gained from this assignment is to ensure proper communication and teamwork to achieve

maximum efficiency. Also, to be able to gain in-depth information of traditional Malay architecture and culture. We

appreciate the opportunity given to us to experience this in such an intimate manner.

178

7.2 REFERENCES

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALAYSIA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://www.localhistories.org/malaysia.html

Adib Ramli, Mahasiswa at UiTM Seri Iskandar, Fakulti Senibina, Perancangan dan UkurFollow. (2015, May07). Project of

traditionalMalay house. Retrieved February26, 2017, from http://www.slideshare.net/adibramli/project-of-traditional-malay-

house

Chen, Voon Fee. The encyclopedia of Malaysia: architecture. Singapore: Archipelago Press, 1998. Print

Darul Aman Stadium. (2017, February 11). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darul_Aman_Stadium

document, source URL, {, index Of, s. L., s +w+-w+h, s. { =, size URL, paths =, & Gayo, H. (2015, August 9). Kedah.

Retrieved February 26, 2017, from https://en.climate-data.org/location/759988/

F. (2012, April 03). Binaan rumah melayu tradisional,. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=7Mw-Ux8DrWg

Gang, D. B. (1970, January 01). Chapter 3 The Malay House. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://

seindahkampung.blogspot.my/2013/08/chapter-3-malay-house.html?m=1

179

7.2 REFERENCES

Hanafi, Z. B., Dr. (1999). Siri Lukisan Terukur: Rumah Traditional Melayu Di Pulau Pinang. Kedah: Amber~Solara

Publication. Barry, R.(1996). Foundations,andOversiteConcrete,Walls,Floors,Roofs

(6thed.,Vol.1,TheConstructionofBuildings).London: Blackwell Science Ltd.

Janzen, A. (2015, May 27). Vernacular Architecture in Malaysia. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from

http://connorjanzen.com/vernacular-malaysia/

Kamal, K. S., & profile, V. my complete. (2007, March ). Architectural design of traditional Malay house. Retrieved February

26, 2017, from http://buildingconservation.blogspot.my/2007/03/architectural-design-of-traditional.html

Kedah information / tourit attractions / Malaysia culture / sightseeing tours / Kedah Malaysia. Retrieved February 26, 2017,

from http://www.2malaysia.com/kedah/culture.htm

Kuroda, K. (n.d.). The Siamese in Kedah under nation-state making . Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.uni-

muenster.de/Ethnologie/South_Thai/working_paper/Kuroda_Kedah.pdf

Lim, J. (2013, November 07). RUMAH KEDAH. Retrieved February 20,2017, from https://prezi.com/tlpkhadomkow/rumah-

kedah/

180

7.2 REFERENCES

Malay Houses. (2012, January 02). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from

https://vernaculararchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/hello-world/

Penubuhan PSM. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from http://www.psm.org.my/index.php/imbasan-

sejarah/penubuhan-psm

Sahabuddin, M. M. (n.d.). Chapter 2: Malaysian Vernacular Architecture and Its Relationship to Climate. Retrieved

February 23, 2017, from

https://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate

Sahabuddin, M. M. (n.d.). Chapter 2:Malaysian VernacularArchitecture and ItsRelationship to Climate. Retrieved February

26, 2017,

fromhttp://www.academia.edu/2377416/Chapter_2_Malaysian_Vernacular_Architecture_and_Its_Relationship_to_Climate

Sung, W.W.(1995). Timber structuresin Malaysian architecture andbuildings (Unpublished master's thesis). University of

Tasmania at Launceston. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://eprints.utas.edu.au/21980/1/whole_WongWai-

Sung1997_thesis.pdf

Terms, P. I. (2017). RUMAH KEDAH. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from https://prezi.com/tlpkhadomkow/rumah-kedah/

181

7.2 REFERENCES

The Concept of Privacy and the Malay Dwelling Interior Space Planning☆. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042813021095

The Traditional Malay House. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from

http://unossc1.undp.org/GSSDAcademy/SIE/Docs/Vol4/Malay_house.pdf

The Traditional Malay House. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2017, from

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=_1vb4mZU6dIC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=malay%2Bhouse%2Bdoor&source=bl&

ots=WyemX3jKY4&sig=RAEqeYCvV7B9tkIMpmmH6I2a8m0&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=malay%20house

%20door&f=false

Top 15 Roof Types & Their Pros & Cons - Read Before you Build! (2017, January 10). Retrieved February 19, 2017, from

http:// www.roofcalc.net/top-15-roof-types-and-their-pros-cons/#gable%20roof

182

7.3 GLOSSARYAnjung – a covered porch

Atap - leaves from a nipa palm that are used for covering the top of a building or a roof in Malaya.

Bumbung – translates to roof

Calligraphy – a type of Islamic crafting art

Carvings - an object or design cut from a hard material as an artistic work.

Dowels - a peg of wood

Gable Roof - a roof with two sloping sides and a gable at each end.

Gagak Sura - Gagak Sura winged creature theme use for illustrious occasion. The legendary animals, for

example, the garuda, the God's vehicle

Gayong – a traditional Malay water gourd

Girts - a horizontal structural member in a framed wall.

Jari – translates to finger; also used as a traditional measurement

Jerejak – translates to window rails

183

7.3 GLOSSARYJoists - a length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of a building, typically arranged in parallel

series to support a floor or ceiling.

Kapak – a Malayan axe

Kerawang – the openings for ventilations

Lattice - a structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-

shaped spaces left between

Level Tool - device for establishing a horizontal plane. It consists of a small glass tube containing alcohol or

similar liquid and an air bubble

Loteng - attic located under the gable of the rumah ibu

Meleh – translates to roof eaves

Mortise and Tenon - joint by which parts or objects are joined together by inserting tenon to mortise

Nibong - a Malay feather palm

Nipa palm - a palm tree with creeping roots, characteristic of mangrove swamps in India and the Pacific islands.

Ornamentations - things added to something to provide decoration.

Papan Cantik - rafter boards in Bahasa Melayu

184

7.3 GLOSSARYParang – a Malayan machete

Pedestals - wooden frames of a window

Pelantar – an open platform for preparing food and washing clothes

Porch - a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building.

Post and Beam - a building system where strong horizontal elements are held up by strong vertical elements

with large spaces between them.

Prefabricated - manufacture sections to enable quick or easy assembly on site.

Purlins - a horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on a main rafter and supporting the common rafters

or boards.

Qibla - Sacred monument located in Mecca

Rafters - one of several internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its

framework.

Random Error - an error in measurement caused by factors that vary from one measurement to another.

Rumah Dangau - a single-unit house and it is also the earliest form of traditional Malay house.

Rumah Dapur – a space used as a kitchen

185

7.3 GLOSSARYRumah Ibu – the main area of the traditional Malay house, one of the most private and sacred space. This space

where people carry out prayers and rest.

Serambi – a narrow reception area

Surau – a prayer room

Tebar layar - a kind of woodcarving applied to roofs

Tempayan – a traditional Malay clay water vessel

Transom – also known as windows

Vernacular Architecture - an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction

materials and reflecting local traditions.

Wudhu – an area to wash face

186

7.4 APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 (INTERVIEW)

Iddin: Selamat pagi Encik Zul. Kami dari Taylor’s University ingin melakukan temu bual bersama encik untuk mengetahui

dengan lebih lanjut tentang rumah tradisional dan surau ini.

Iddin: Good morning Mr. Zul. We are from Taylor's University and we wish to an interview with you to know

more about this traditional house and the surau.

Encik Zulkifli: Selamat pagi. Saya akan beritahu apa yang saya tahu tentang kedua-dua rumah ini.

Encik Zulkifli: Good morning. I will tell what I know about both these houses.

Iddin: Apakah nama bagi rumah tradisional ini dan bagaimana ia dipindahkan ke sini?

Iddin: What is the name of this traditional house and how was it relocated here?

Encik Zulkifli: Kita memanggilnya Rumah Sungai Ular. Sungai Ular merupakan nama tempat yang terletak di Kulim dan

rumah ini berasal dari Kampung Sungai Ular, Kulim. Ini merupakan rumah tradisional Kedah. Waris rumah ini tidak mahu

rumah ini rosak dan dia menyerahkan rumah ini kepada kami. Lalu, kita mengambil rumah ini sebagai contoh untuk

menunjukkan rumah ini adalah rumah tradisional negeri Kedah.

7.4 APPENDICES

Encik Zulkifli: We call it the Sungai Ular House. Sungai Ular is a place located in Kulim and the house originated

from Kampung Sungai Ular, Kulim. This is a traditional home of Kedah. Beneficiaries of this house do not want

this house to be in a broken state and he gave us this house. Therefore, we took this house and used it as a way

to show an example of a tradisional of the state of Kedah.

Cham: Adakah tiap-tiap ukiran yang terdapat di rumah mempunyai makna?

Cham: Does every carvings found in the house have a meaning?

Encik Zulkifli: Salah satu sebab kita mengambil rumah ini adalah kerana reka bentuknya dan sebab yang kedua adalah

ukiran-ukiran yang terdapat di rumah itu menunjukkan motif dan corak ukiran tradisional Melayu. Corak-corak ini

kebanyakkannya berasal dari flora, ataupun alam semula jadi.

Encik Zulkifli: One of the reasons we took this house was due to its design and the second reason was that the

carvings found in the house shows the patterns and motifs of traditional Malay carving. These patterns mostly

derived from flora, or nature.

Iddin: Apakah perbezaan yang menyebabkan rumah tradisional Kedah berbeza dengan rumah tradisional di negeri lain?

7.4 APPENDICES

Iddin: What are the differences that make the Kedah traditional house different with a traditional home from

other states?

Encik Zulkifli: Kalau mengikut falsafah orang Malaysia, ia bergantung kepada persekitaran, sebagai contoh di Kedah

orang Melayu duduk di pinggir hutan ataupun di tepi sawah. Jadi, rumah tradisional di Kedah kebiasaannya lebih tinggi

berbanding rumah-rumah tradisional di negeri-negeri lain. Sebab mereka membuat demikian adalah untuk mengelak

banjir dan sebagainya. Keduanya, mereka hendak menunjukkan kebijaksanaan orang Melayu. Kalau melakukan kajian,

reka bentuk rumah sebegini, ia akan menyebabkan adanya peredaran udara yang baik. Jadi, rumah ini sentiasa berada

dalam keadaan yang sejuk.

Encik Zulkifli: If following the philosophy of the people in Malaysia, it depends on the environment, for example

in Kedah, people usually lives at the edge of the forest or at the edge of the field. Thus, traditional house in

Kedah is usually higher compared to traditional homes in other states. The reason they do this is to avoid

floods and so on. Secondly, they want to show the wisdom of the Malays. If research was done, it is found that

the design of such houses will lead to good air circulation. So, the house is always in cool conditions.

Kwang Zhou: Adakah ukiran-ukiran yang terdapat di rumah ini hanya terdapat di Kedah ataupun negeri-negeri lain juga

menggunakan bentuk ukiran yang sama?

7.4 APPENDICES

Kwang Zhou: Are carvings found in the house only available in Kedah or do the other states also use the same

form of carvings?

Encik Zulkifli: Kebiasaanya, untuk rumah tradisional Melayu, di mana-mana negeri pun mereka menggunakan motif yang

sama cuma ada sesetengah negeri mempunyai identiti sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: Normally, the traditional Malay house in any state use the same motifs with only some states having

an identity of their own.

Iddin: Boleh encik jelaskan bahan yang digunakan untuk rumah ini?

Iddin: Could you explain the materials that was used for this house?

Encik Zulkifli: Kalau kita tengok kebiasaanya, mereka menggunakan bahan-bahan yang terdapat di persekitaran masing-

masing. Sebagai contoh untuk rumah ini, mereka menggunakan bahan semula jadi seperti kayu. Untuk kayu pula, ia

dibahagikan kepada 3 jenis. Bahan yang digunakan untuk rumah ini adalah kayu biasa dan gred rendah.

Encik Zulkifli: If we look at the norm, they use materials that are found in their surrounding environment

7.4 APPENDICES

As an example for this house, they use natural materials such as wood. As for wood, it is divided into 3 types.

The material used for this house is common and low-grade wood.

Iddin: Adakah setiap darjat sosial mempunyai jenis kayu yang tersendiri?

Iddin: Does each social rank have its own type of wood?

Encik Zulkifli: Ya mereka mempunyai jenis kayu tersendiri. Jenis bahan yang digunakan menunjukkan status sosial.

Sebagaicontoh, rumah orang biasa atau orang bawahan kebiasaanya mengunnakan kayu atau papan yang biasa seperti

kayu nyatu, kayu yang murah dan berkualiti rendah. Untuk bumbung pula, mereka menggunakan atap rumbia atau atap

nipah. Untuk rumah orang yang kaya dan bangsawan, mereka menggunakan bahan-bahan yang lebih mahal seperti kayu

jati, kayu chengal dan reka bentuk rumah-rumah sebegini kebiasaanya nampak lebih hebat dan banyak ukiran. Bahan

yang digunakan untuk pula adalah tanah liat ataupun menggunakan kayunya sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: Yes, they have their own type of wood. The type of material used is to show social status. As an

example, the homes of ordinary people or those from the lower class usually employ the usual timber or boards

such as normal wood, the kind that is cheap and of low quality. For the roof, they used the roof thatch or palm

fronds. As for the house for the rich and noble, they use materials that are more

7.4 APPENDICES

expensive, such as teak, chengal wood and its design usually looks superior and has lots of carvings. Materials

used for its roof are either clay or using wood itself.

Iddin: Saya ada dengar pada zaman dahulu mereka tidak menggunakan paku untuk pembinaan rumah ini. Jadi, bagaimana

cara pembinaan rumah tradisional Kedah pada masa itu?

Iddin: I have heard that in the old days they did not use nails for the construction of this house. So, how what was

the method used for the construction of the Kedah traditional house at that time?

Encik Zulkifli: Konsep menggunakan paku ini hanya ada pada zaman yang lebih moden. Jadi, kalau mengikut cara

tradisional, rumah-rumah sebegini menggunakan tanggam. Tanggam ini kalau menggunakan bahasa ibunda bermaksud

sambungan-sambungan, iaitu sambungan menggunakan kayu dengan menebuk lubang pada kayu tersebut dan

menyambungnya mengikut lubang tersebut. Jika menggunakan paku, mereka tidak menggunakan besi untuk membuat

paku tersebut. Mereka menggunakan batang kayu itu sendiri untuk bertindak sebagai paku yang dipanggil pasak. Contoh

penggunaan pasak adalah pada tangga di kedua-dua bangunan tersebut. Jadi, kedua-dua tanggam dan pasak hanya

menggunakan kayu dan tidak ada sebarang besi yang digunakan.

Encik Zulkifli: The concept of using nails only came in during more modern times. Traditionally, how

7.4 APPENDICES

they constructed the house is by using mortise. When spoken in the mother tongue language this means using

joints, for example the connection using wood by making holes in the wood and joining them by using the hole. If

using nails, they do not use iron to make the nails. Instead, they used wooden sticks itself to act as so-called nail

pegs. Example of usage for this is at the stairs at both buildings. So, both mortise and peg only utilised wood and

there was no use of iron nails whatsoever.

Iddin: Di surau ada tempat mengambil air sembahyang. Adakah itu dibina pada masa yang sama seperti surau tersebut?

Iddin: There is a ablution place at the surau. Was it built at the same time as the surau?

Encik Zulkifli: Tempat mengambil air sembahyang itu adalah tambahan. Konsepnya dahulu ialah surau atau masjid tidak

sama seperti zaman sekarang, di mana tempat mengambil air sembahyang ini ada dalam bangunan itu sendiri.

Pada masa dulu, tempat untuk mengambil air sembahyang dan tempat bermandi berada di luar. Di bangunan rumah,

tempat bermandi berada di belakang rumah dan tidak bersambung terus dengan rumah itu. Begitu juga dengan surau, di

mana tempat mengambil air sembahyang dibina berasingan dengan bangunan surau itu sendiri.

Encik Zulkifli: The ablution space was an addition to the surau. The concept of surau or mosque is not

7.4 APPENDICES

the same as it is today, where the ablution space is in the building itself. During old times, a place for ablution and

bathing place is located outside. At the house, the bathing area is behind the house and is not directly connected

with the house. Similarly for the surau, the ablution space was built separately from the surau building itself.

Iddin: Dari segi perancangan dalam bangunan, bagaimanakah cara susunannya?

Iddin: In terms of the spatial organisation of the building, how was it arranged?

Encik Zulkifli: Secara asasnya, di depannya kita panggil serambi. Ruang pertama apabila sudah masuk ke dalam rumah

dipanggil ruang ibu ataupun sekarang dipanggil sebagai ruang tamu. Kemudian, ada bilik yang berfungsi sebagai bilik tidur.

Bilik tidur pada masa dahulu kebiasaanya adalah ruang yang kosong dan hanya menggunakan kain sebagai pembahagi bilik

di rumah ini. Untuk rumah orang yang lebih kaya, setiap orang mempunyai bilik masing-masing. Terdapat sebuah dapur di

belakang rumah untuk memasak dan sebagainya. Akhir sekali, tempat mandi dan membasuh kain berada di luar rumah.

Untuk surau pula, hanya ada ruang sembahyang untuk lelaki dan ruang sembahyang untuk wanita di ruang yang lebih kecil

dan juga ruang kecil untuk imam yang menghadap arah kiblat.

Encik Zulkifli: Basically, at the front of the house there is a space called the verandah . The first room

7.4 APPENDICES

when you enter the house is called the mother space or now called the living room. Then, there is a room that

serves as a bedroom. Rooms in the past was usually empty room and only use cloth as a divider for rooms in the

house. For houses of rich people, everyone has their own room. There is a kitchen at the back area of the house to

cook and so on. Finally, the bathing area and the clothes washing area are located outside the house. For the surau

however, there are only praying areas for men and for women at the bigger and smaller space respectively and a

small space for the imam which is facing the Qiblah.

Iddin: Apakah nama surau tersebut dan dari mana asalnya surau ini?

Iddin: What is the name of the surau and where does it originally come from?

Encik Zulkifli: Surau ini kita namakan sebagai Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok. Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok seorang guru

agama yang terkenal. Beliau juga pernah menjadi guru agama kepada sultan dan kerabat diraja Kedah. Surau ini diambil dari

Merbok. Merbok pula dirujuk kepada nama tempat di kawasan Sungai Petani. Surau ini dahulu digunakan sebagai tempat

sembahyang dan juga di mana Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok mengajar tentang agama dan pembacaan kitab.

Encik Zulkifli: We call this the Surau Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok. Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok

7.4 APPENDICES

was a famous teacher that taught about religion. He was also once a teacher of religion to the Sultan and the royal

family of Kedah. This surau was taken from Merbok. Merbok is referred to as a name of a place names in Sungai

Petani. This surau was used as a place of worship and also where Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Merbok taught about

religion and scripture readings.

Iddin: Dari segi perubahan masa, bagaimana berlakunya perubahan daripada tradisional kepada moden?

Iddin: In terms of time transition, how did the change from traditional to modern happen?

Encik Zulkifli: Perubahan ini kadang-kadang berlaku secara semulajadi. Faktor yang pertama, perubahan ini mungkin

berlaku kerana faktor bahan itu sendiri. Pada zaman dahulu, terdapat kuantiti kayu yang banyak. Untuk mendapatkan kayu

kita harus menebang pokok dan apabila kita menebang pokok, masa yang diambil untuk menggantikan pokok-pokok

tersebut boleh mencecah berpuluh-puluh tahun. Jadi, bekalan bahan yang boleh didapati berkurangan disebabkan faktor

ini. Disebabkan pembangunan yang mengakibatkan penebangan hutan, bekalan bahan semulajadi secara tidak langsung

berkurangan. Yang kedua, ia disebabkan faktor sejarah. Ini bermaksud faktor kemasukan British ke Tanah Melayu. Orang

Inggeris ini memperkenalkan teknologi baru. Sebelum ini, orang kita hanya tahu membina rumah dengan menggunakan

kayu. Dengan kemasukkan British, mereka memperkenalkan pembinaan berasaskan simen dan menggunakan bahan yang

lebih mudah didapati dan mudah dicari.

7.4 APPENDICES

Encik Zulkifli: These changes sometimes occur naturally. The first factor, this transition may occur due to the

material itself. In the old days, there are a lot of timber that can be found. To obtain wood we have to cut down

trees and when we cut down the trees, the time taken to replace those trees could reach decades. Thus, the supply

of available timber decreased due to this factor. Due to modern development that causes deforestation, the supply

of natural materials is indirectly affected. Secondly, it is due to historical factors. This means the entry of British in

Malaya. The British introduced new technology. Previously, we only know how to build a house using wood. With

the entry of the British, they introduced cement-based construction and use of materials that are more readily

available and easier to find.

Kwang Zhou: Saya bandingkan kedua-dua rumah dan saya mendapati yang surau mempunyai tingkap pada bahagian atas

rumah. Apakah sebab istimewa tingkap ini berada di surau?

Kwang Zhou: I compare both houses and I found that the surau has louvered windows at the top part of its

building. Is there a special reason for this?

Encik Zulkifli: Tingkap ini tidak ada keistimewaannya. Ia hanya berfungsi sebagai pengudaraan dan juga pencahayaan.

7.4 APPENDICES

Encik Zulkifli: The windows there are nothing special. It only serves as a way ventilation and to receive lighting.

Kwang Zhou: Di dalam rumah Sungai Ular terdapat kepala rusa yang digantung pada dinding rumah tersebut. Apakah

maksud dan fungsi kepala rusa ini?

Kwang Zhou: Inside the Sungai Ular house there is a deer head hanging on the walls of the house. What

the purpose and function of the deer's head?

Encik Zulkifli: Dulu-dulu pada tahun 60-an dan kebawah, kalau kita pergi ke rumah orang-orang Melayu, kebiasaannya kita

akan jumpa kepala rusa dan tanduknya. Ia bertindak sebagai perhiasan. Kepala rusa ini didapati daripada tengkorak

haiwan itu sendiri ataupun boleh dibuat daripada kayu. Satu fungsi adalah sebagai perhiasan dan yang keduanya, kepala

rusa ini digunakan sebagai tempat menyangkut baju dan juga songkok.

Encik Zulkifli: In the 60s and below, if we go to Malay houses, usually we will see deer heads and its antlers. It

acts as decorations. It can be obtained from the deer's head skull of the animal itself or can be made of wood.

One function is as an ornament and its second function is that these deer heads are used to hang clothes and

songkok.

7.4 APPENDICES

Daniel: Ada lagi tak orang yang menetap di rumah-rumah tradisional Kedah?

Daniel: Are there any people who still live in Kedah traditional houses?

Encik Zulkifli: Ada tapi tidak ramai. Di seluruh Alor Setar, kurang dari 10% yang masih menetap di rumah-rumah tradisional

ini. Ini kerana rumah-rumah sebegini menjadi mahal dan menjadi benda yang mewah akibat bahan kayu yang sukar

didapati pada masa sekarang.

Encik Zulkifli: There are but not many. Around Alor Setar, less than 10% are still living in traditional houses. This is

because such houses are expensive and become objects of luxury as a result of a hard wood being hard to be

obtained at the present time.

Cham: Di bawah surau terdapat satu gong, apakah itu dan apa fungsinya?

Cham: Under the mosque there is a gong, what is it and what is its function?

Encik Zulkifli: Itu bukan gong. Itu dikenali sebagai beduk. Beduk ini kita ambil dari Masjid Zahir. Apabila waktu sembahyang

sudah tiba, beduk ini akan diketuk untuk memberitahu tibanya waktu sembahyang. Batang beduk ini diperbuat

daripada sebatang pokok. Bulatan pada batang ini ditebuk dan kulit beduk ini asalnya dari kulit

7.4 APPENDICES

kerbau.

Encik Zulkifli: It is not a gong. It was known as a beduk. We took this beduk of Masjid Zahir. When the time for

prayer has arrived, the beduk will be hit to inform the arrival time of prayer. The body of the beduk is made from a

tree. The circle on the body was punched and the beduk skin is originated from buffalo skin.

Iddin: Berapa lamakah beduk ini sudah diwujudkan?

Iddin: How long has this beduk lasted?

Encik Zulkifli: Beduk ini sudah ada selama berpuluh-puluh tahun. Kalau kita tengok, kulit beduk ini dicantumkan dengan

menggunakan pasak kayu dan tidak menggunakan paku besi.

Encik Zulkifli: This beduk has been around for decades. If we look closely, the drum skin is grafted using wooden

pegs and does not use iron nails.

Cham: Di bawah rumah itu juga terdapat alat-alat tradisional. Apakah kegunaan alat-alat ini?

7.4 APPENDICES

Cham: Under the house there are also traditional tools. What is the use of these tools?

Encik Zukifli: Yang ada kayu pemutar itu kita panggil pengapit tebu dan alat yang diikat pada tiang itu dikenali sebagai

pengapit santan. Kita meletakkan alat-alat ini pada rumah tersebut untuk menunjukkan cara hidup orang Melayu pada

zaman dahulu.

Encik Zulkifli: The tool with the wooden handle is called a cane clamp and the tool that is tied to the column is

known as a milk clamp. We put these tools in the house to show the way of life of the Malays in old days.

Cham: Di belakang rumah terdapat satu lagi ruang, apakah ruang itu dan tujuannya?

Cham: Behind the house there is another space, what is that space and what is its purpose?

Encik Zulkifli: Itu dipanggil pelantang. Pelanatang itu ada dua tujuan. Pertama, ia digunakan untuk membasuh pinggan

mangkuk yang digunakan dan juga untuk menjemur.

Encik Zulkifli: It is called a platform. This platform has two purposes. First, it is used for washing dishes and also

for drying.

7.4 APPENDICES

Kwang Zhou: Biasanya rumah tradisional ini, boleh tahan berapa lama dan macam mana mereka mengelak daripada anai-

anai?

Kwang Zhou: How long can these traditional houses usually last and how do they avoid termites?

Encik Zulkifli: Kebiasaannya, rumah begini boleh tahun ratusan tahun. Pada masa dahulu, cara mereka mengelak anai-

anai ialah setiap tiang ada pelapitnya yang berbentuk petak dan dibuat daripada simen. Disebabkan anai-anai ini datang

dari tanah, penggunaan simen ini mengelak anai-anai tersebut dari memakan tiang kayu rumah. Yang kedua, jika kita

pegang kayu-kayu di rumah ini, tangan kita akan rasa berminyak. Ini adalah cara orang pada masa dahulu untuk mengelak

anai-anai, dengan menyapu minyak pada kayu-kayu tersebut.

Encik Zulkifli: Normally, this house can last for hundreds of years. In the past, the way they avoid termites is there

placing a layer below the the wooden columns of the house that is shaped like a box and made of cement.

Because the termites come from soil, the cement prevents termites from reaching and eating the wood columns.

Secondly, if we touch the wood in this house, our hands will feel oily. This is how people in the past avoid

termites, by sweeping the oil onto the timber.

Kwang Zhou: Apa jenis minyak yang mereka guna?

7.4 APPENDICES

Kwang Zhou: What kind of oil did they use?

Encik Zulkifli: Biasanya mereka menggunakan minyak disel. Dulu mereka sapu minyak pada kayu ini. Tetapi pada masa

sekarang mereka menggunakan cat dan sebagainya untuk menggantikan minyak disel ini.

Encik Zulkifli: Usually they use diesel oil. In the past used to apply oil on wood. But in recent times

they use paint and so on to replace the diesel oil.

Daniel: Dari segi warna, adakah warna rumah ini semulajadi?

Daniel: In terms of colour, is the colour of this house natural?

Encik Zulkifli: Ya warna rumah-rumah ini semulajadi. Kebiasaannya kalau rumah dulu-dulu mereka tidak mengecat rumah

mereka dan hanya menyapu minyak disel tersebut. Sangat jarang rumah zaman dahulu menggunakan cat.

Encik Zulkifli: Yes the colour of these houses are natural. Normally the people of the past do not paint their

houses and only applied the diesel oil mentioned before. Very rarely is a traditional house painted.

7.4 APPENDICES

Cham: Atap itu menggunakan daun apa?

Cham: What kind of leaves are used for the atap?

Encik Zulkifli: Terdapat dua jenis. Satu ialah atap nipah dan yang kedua atap rumbia. Nipah selalunya terdapat di tepi

sungai. Rumbia kebiasaannya ada di dalam hutan tetapi sekarang ini rumbia sukar dijumpa.

Encik Zulkifli: There are two types. One is nipah roof and the second is a thatched roof. Nipah is often found at

the riverside. Rumbia was usually found in the woods, but now this is difficult to find.

Iddin: Macam mana mereka sambungkan atap nipah dan rumbia ini?

Iddin: How to they join the nipah and rumbia together?

Encik Zulkifli: Mereka menggunakan cara penjahitan. Pada fasa pemasangan, mereka akan susun nipah dan rumbia ini

bersebelahan satu demi satu dan satu lagi lapis akan diletakkan atas lapis bawahan dan untuk mengelakkan dari nipah

dan rumbia ini berterbangan, mereka menjahit lapisan-lapisan ini. Mereka menggunakan rotan sebagai bahan jahitan

untuk mengikat atap ini.

7.4 APPENDICES

Encik Zulkifli: They use the sewing method. In the installation phase, they will place the nipah and rumbia next to

each other one by one and another layer of the atap will be placed on the lower layer and to avoid the nipah and

the rumbia roof from flying, they sew these layers. They use a rotan as sewing material to tie the roof together.

Cham: Perabot dalam rumah ini, adakah ia perabot asli pada zaman dahulu?

Cham: The furniture in the house, was it the original furniture from those days?

Encik Zulkifli: Perabot itu kita tambah sendiri, dihias untuk memberi rupa seperti rumah tradisional pada zaman dulu. Pada

masa dulu, rumah-rumah tradisional tidak mempunyai banyak perabot. Kebiasaanya di rumah tradisional Melayu, mereka

duduk secara bersila atas tikar mengkuang dan mempunyai almari. Itu sahaja. Perabot yang kamu nampak sekarang

ditambah kemudian.

Encik Zulkifli: The furniture was added ourselves, decorated to look like a traditional house in the old days.

During those times, traditional houses do not have much furniture. Usually in traditional Malay house, they sit

cross-legged on mats and have a closet. That was all. Furniture that you see now were added later.

7.4 APPENDICES

Cham: Sekarang adakah kedua-dua rumah ini terbuka kepada orang awam?

Cham: Are both houses are open to the public now?

Encik Zulkifli: Untuk rumah tradisional Kedah, ia hanya dibuka untuk melakukan kajian. Rumah ini tidak terbuka kepada

orang awam kerana kerja pemuliharaan masih belum habis. Ini untuk mengelakkan kerosakan kepada barang-barang

dalam rumah ini. Bagi surau pula, ia masih dibuka kepada umat Islam yang mahu mengerjakan solat.

Encik Zulkifli: For the traditional home of Kedah, it is only open to carry out research. The house is not open to

civilians as conservation work is still not finished. This is to prevent damage to goods in this house. As for the

surau, it is open to Muslims who want to pray.

Iddin: Adakah pintu ‘sliding’ ini tambahan ataupun ia datang bersama rumah ini?

Iddin: Were the sliding door an additon or did it originally come with this house?

Encik Zulkifli: Pintu ‘sliding’ ini adalah tambahan. Kebiasaannya pada masa dulu, pintu ini dibuka dengan menolaknya.

Pintu ‘sliding’ ini ditambah kemudian. Kalau kita perhatikan rumah-rumah Melayu pada masa

7.4 APPENDICES

dahulu, konsep pintu ‘sliding’ tidak wujud lagi dan pintu bersama tingkap dibuka dengan menolak.

Encik Zulkifli: This sliding door was an addition. Normally in the past, the door is opened by pushing it. Sliding

doors was added later. If we look at Malay houses in the past, the concept of sliding doors did not exist and

doors along with windows opened by simply pushing it.

Iddin: Apabila kedua-dua bangunan ini dipindahkan ke sini, adakah ia berada dalam keadaan yang teruk?

Iddin: When both these buildings moved here, was it in a bad condition?

Encik Zulkifli: Rumah-rumah ini pada asalnya berada dalam keadaan yang uzur. Lalu, kita melakukan banyak perkara

untuk memuliharakan kedua-dua rumah ini. Sebagai contoh, kita sapukan minyak diesel kepada setiap kayu dalam

rumah-rumah ini dan kita menambahkan paku besi pada beberapa tempat untuk mengukuhkan struktur bangunan.

Encik Zulkifli: These houses were originally in a bad condition. Then, we do a lot of things to conserve both

these houses. For example, diesel oil was added onto each wood in these houses and we added some iron nails

to strengthen the overall structure of the building.

7.4 APPENDICES

Iddin: Baik. Itu sahaja soalan-soalan yang kami ada. Terima kasih kerana meluangkan masa bersama kami untuk

membantu kami dalam pengajian tentang rumah-rumah tradisional Kedah.

Iddin: Alright. That's all the questions that we have. Thank you for taking the time to help us in learning more

about traditional houses in Kedah.

Encik Zulkifli: Sama-sama.

Encik Zulkifli: You’re welcome.

7.4 APPENDICES

APPENDIX 2 (VIDEO & MODEL)

https://youtu.be/x2haQTs8r4Q

7.4 APPENDICES

APPENDIX 2 (VIDEO & MODEL)

Pictures of models